What to say about this book… It’s been on my TBR since I first heard about it as it sounded very unique and interesting. That it was. It had shades of Anxious People for me, as both had similar hostage situations that weren’t quite what they seemed, but I didn’t think the writing or story development was quite as good. I thought the issues between Dan and Jane were very predictable, as was the ending there, but the rest of the story I didn’t see coming. It got a little far-fetched for me and rambled some at the end but overall I think it was worth the read. 3.5 stars

Jane and Dan have hit a slump. Jane is done. Nearly 20 years of marriage and she’s throwing in the towel. Meanwhile Dan is oblivious of course.

Jane can’t take another minute of being married to Dan. She has came to the conclusion that their song has come to an end.

If Jane doesn’t end it now, she never will. So Jane does. Jane ends their 19 year marriage. During dinner. At possibly the most prestigious restraunts in their city.

Well Dan is not going to allow this none sense. Especially during a hostage situation.

Come again you may ask? Yes, Jane had the audacity to end a marriage right in the middle of not only their eighteen or is it nineteen year wedding anniversary , but during a hostage takeover?

Throughout this hysterical book, you will be shaking your head while sympathizing and saying I get that! A must read for sure!

What I liked:

I loved the comedy! A perfect amount of comedy thrown into the hostage situation. I also love how the writer made the situation not scary but campy in a way..highly relatable if married or have kids.

What I disliked:

At times it did drag on for it bit.

Jane and Dan have been married for nineteen years (or is it twenty?) and normally celebrate at Macaroni Grill, but this year when they when an auction ticket to make a reservation at the hottest place in town, La Fin Du Monde, they step out of their comfort zone and go.

What starts as a nice, yet somewhat pretentious evening quickly turns sour when a group of environmental terrorists takes over the restaurant. They have targeted a VIP due to arrive via helicopter and everyone else is just in the way. Jane quickly realizes the groups’ actions mirror her own novel that she wrote more than six years ago. How can this be? She is positive less than 200 people actually read her book, but the parallels are uncanny. When she tries to convey her suspicions and move her husband to action, she finds herself irritated as he still after years of marriage cannot understand her body language and he’s quickly proving lip reading isn’t his forte either.

While I found this entertaining, a few subplots seemed a little far-fetched. This wrong place at the wrong time scenario had a few too many coincidences for my liking. The humor was fun though and I found Jane entertaining. She is quick witted and not afraid to speak her mind, even though it tends to get her in trouble.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and of course the author Colleen Oakley for the advanced copy of the book. Jane and Dan at the End of the World is out now. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
This is a quirky, fast-paced novel that immediately grabbed my attention with its unique premise. Jane and Dan, married for 19 years, head to a bougie, exclusive restaurant to celebrate their anniversary—but things take a sudden and unexpected turn when they find themselves taken hostage by a group of armed intruders. The twist? The unfolding chaos mirrors the plot of Jane’s only published novel. I loved  this books engaging pace, unexpected twists, and the constant feeling that I had no idea what was coming next. Oakley has delivered an unpredictable ride, blending humor with suspense while examining relationships and personal growth.
This book is quirky in all the right ways and thoroughly enjoyable. It is definitely worth the read!
Thank Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Jane is feeling ambivalent about her 19-year marriage, and life in general, on her anniversary. Dan’s a good guy, and they’ve had a good run, but she suspects he is cheating on her. Her two teens are at the ages where they don’t really need her. And her writing career, which was so exciting when she landed a book deal, has stalled. The book only sold a few hundred copies, and she hasn’t come up with more to pitch.

When Jane and Dan go out for their anniversary to a well-known, very expensive restaurant, she decides she might as well ask for a divorce during dinner.

But not long after their first course and her announcement, climate activists storm into La Fin du Monde restaurant and tie everyone up. It’s definitely a strange thing to experience. But what’s weirder is that a lot of what the activists do is very similar to the plot of her book.

Since Jane has an idea what could come next in the activists’ ploys, she tries to figure out ways to stop them. But then a huge plot twist shakes both Jane and Dan and sends them scrambling to fix what they’re facing.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World is a portrait of a marriage, of a woman at midlife who’s wondering just where she stands and if she could have made different choices. It’s rife with questions and disappointment. Jane looks back on moments before she married and both crucial and everyday times throughout her married life.

Then the hostage/terrorist situation gives her new insights and shakes up her thought processes.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World is equal parts reflection on both the banality and the joy of adult/married life and humor about it. It takes on parental pride and expectations from young adult children, climate change, big business, uber-wealth, and human nature. And there are a couple of clever little twists that don’t make up a vital part of the story but give it a little kick. It’s an entertaining mix that I found particularly enjoyable as I got closer to the end and got an idea of the big picture of the story. (The publisher’s summary and some readers say it’s “hilarious,” but as is often the case with books that claim hilarity, I would not call it that. Lightly humorous in parts, yes.)

Jane and Dan are celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary at a very upscale restaurant. Jane is trying to ask Dan for a divorce, while he keeps trying to tell her they are not getting divorced. Suddenly, a group of terrorists burst into the restaurant and take it hostage. As time passes, Jane realizes that the terrorist group is using her book as a play-by-play, and only she and Dan can stop them.

This was no page-turner, just enough to keep one interested.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World is a whimsical tale of a couple's anniversary dinner that takes a complete left turn into the bizarre land of action and adventure when the restaurant is taken captive. Jane and Dan find themselves being held hostage and considering their lives and marriage in a whole new light. With a few unexpected (and unbelievable) twists and turns, their story does share some lovely insights into both love and longlasting relationships.

Very quick, light, and funny read perfect for summer! I really enjoyed the premise of this book, it’s very unique and definitely has not been done before. I flew through it, the plot is very well paced and the chapters have cliffhangers that keeps you wanting more. I do wish we got a little more about Jane and Dan’s relationship. I also feel like we didn’t get to see much of the ending, it wrapped up pretty quickly and I would have liked to see more about what ends up happening.

I read this book in one sitting. It captivated me from the beginning! Oakley did a fantastic job setting the scene and keeping the reader on their toes until the very end. I appreciated the ability to switch POVs from Jane t0 Dan. Both of these characters have a special place in my heart. I have never felt more seen than the part of the book where Jane and Dan are trying to talk to one another across the room without drawing attention to themselves. The frustration they both feel and trying to get their point across and the other person has no idea what the heck is going on is beyond entertaining. Overall I loved how the story came together; the pace was perfect, the characters were well written, and the story was comical, captivating, and delightful!

This story was such an unexpected delight. Unexpected in that it was such a unique premise with so many great revelations along the way.. It was such a fun read, but also had some real feels throughout. Jane and Dan are out for their 19th anniversary dinner. They've been struggling, and Jane thinks that they need a divorce. Except then things really take a turn when underground climate activists take the restaurant patrons and staff hostage. Oh, but here's the thing - Jane once wrote a book that a very similar premise and what's happening seems very similar. This was just such an enjoyable ride. I love all the twists as the story built and the connections of different characters in the restaurant were revealed. It's one that kept me guessing. I also loved that even amidst all this "stuff" it was also a story about marriage. I adored this one so very much. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the look at this March 2025 release!

This is a clever and unexpected blend of domestic drama, humor, and high-stakes adventure. At its heart, it’s the story of a strained marriage on the verge of collapse, but the twist—an absurdly chaotic hostage situation orchestrated by climate activists—turns it into something truly unique. Jane is a wonderfully relatable protagonist, grappling with feelings of stagnation, disappointment, and suspicion, while Dan’s character provides layers of complexity as their relationship is tested. The way the plot intertwines Jane’s failed novel with the unfolding events adds a clever meta element that keeps the story intriguing and fresh. Oakley’s wit shines through the absurd situations and sharp dialogue, offering plenty of laughs, even in tense moments. But beneath the humor lies a heartfelt exploration of marriage, partnership, and the resilience needed to navigate life’s unpredictable twists. Absolutely loved it!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley.

Sitting down to an outrageously expensive meal, Dan has no idea what Jane is preparing to say to him. But neither of them were prepared for the barrage of people in guns and masks breaking in to interrupt their dinner either.

Through this totally unexpected series of events, Jane and Dan explore their relationship, family, and decisions that led them to this moment, and what that means for them...

I really wanted to like this book, but it didn't land for me like I hoped. I was turned off by Jane from the get go, I could not vibe with her choices, or her lack of self awareness. The story itself also didn't pull me to it like I've experienced with other stories. It all fell flat for me.

Jane and Dan have been married for 19 years. It’s their anniversary and they are off to an exclusive restaurant for a very expensive dinner. Jane plans to ask for a divorce because she feels stagnate and lost with a stalled writing career and her only book doing poorly. Then the restaurant is taken hostage with scenes straight from her book!

The twists and turns in the book kept me hooked and interested. I enjoyed all of the plot twists and found the book engaging. I look forward to more from this author.

Jane and Dan are celebrating their 19th or maybe 20th anniversary, depending on who you ask. While out for dinner to celebrate, Jane drops a bomb by asking for a divorce. Then they are taken hostage and find themselves living the plot of Jane's book. This is a quirky book with an unique premise.

Good pacing with plenty of unexpected twists and surprising reveals. Absurd at times, but just a fun read.

I received this advance review copy from NetGalley & the publisher for my honest review.

Hilarious! I've never laughed so much while reading about a hostage scenario. The main character in this one is so relatable in her thoughts and actions. This book was a delight. I recommend for those who enjoy a bit of funny in their action stories, especially middle-aged women.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World had many creative ideas, yet was unable to execute them to the depth that I wanted. I wish that the author had been willing to explore some of the plot lines more fully, yet things felt a little too safe.

Jane and Dan have been married for almost 20 years with Jane a stay at home Mom for their 2 kids which are now almost grown. Jane feels like she has lost herself, doesn't want to be married anymore and decides to tell him as they go out for their anniversary dinner at a really nice restaurant. While she is explaining her mid-life crisis to him where he is adamant they are not getting divorced, they are taken hostages along with the other diners in order to access the very wealthy Otto who they feel is endangering the climate with his business practices. Jane is freaked out because this date night gone wrong is following the plot of her unsuccessful novel which everyone said was unrealistic! I found this book very quirky and entertaining but also extremely relatable as life gets in the way of of reminding you of all the things you have to be grateful for (especially your spouse). The story twists but I won't reveal how because it would ruin the ending for you but I do recommend this feel good but also action packed story that explores the forces of good and evil, love, and gratitude.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #JaneandDanattheEndoftheWorld

It was okay, i was expecting something different but it was good enough to keep reading. The bombing plot was a little too messy and the whole thing with the agent I don't know it all felt a little too cheesy or far fetched for me but that could be a style preference some people like books like that just not me

Jane and Dan at the End of the World is a humorous take on the worst anniversary dinner ever. The over the top book had some laugh out loud moments but it doesn’t replace The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise as my favorite Colleen Oakley book. It was funny and thought provoking so it’s definitely worth reading.

The set up is bananas and has so much promise to be an absolute romp, but sadly Jane & Dan does not deliver. The first 75% of the book is basically the jacket copy so I won’t bother recounting here. But even after things take a turn toward the surprising, it feels like the author is pulling her punches. The ending was too tidy. The book greatly would’ve benefited from more banter and humor—but that would have been difficult as heroine feels like just a mirror for all the complaints of middle-aged women flooding social media.

Overall, it was not for me. But many thanks to @berkleypub for the arc in exchange for an honest review. Let’s stay friends, ok?