With every new book from Colleen Oakley comes a story that leaves a mark on my heart, and Jane and Dan at the End of the World is no exception. In fact, I might dare to say it’s my favorite.

Jane is a character I can truly relate to. She’s been in a long-term relationship—married for over 19 years—and finds herself unsure of what’s next. Her teenage kids no longer need her, and her husband seems distant... or does he? Her literary career hasn’t taken off yet, with her first book selling fewer than 500 copies. So, it feels almost poetic that their anniversary dinner would be celebrated at a restaurant called La Fin du Monde—“The End of the World.” Is it the end of her marriage, too?

Then, a climate activist group storms the restaurant, throwing Jane and Dan into survival mode. The bizarre twist? The situation mirrors a scene straight out of Jane’s novel, as if her story has come to life.

What I loved most about this book is Jane’s resilience—her ability to reassess her life and put things into perspective. There are laugh-out-loud moments, gripping scenes, and unbelievable twists that pulled me in completely. I adored the witty banter, the inner dialogue running through Jane’s mind, and the sheer determination to see her through this harrowing ordeal.

This is a solid five-star read. I absolutely loved it.

I was delighted to receive a galley of Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley because I have been a big fan of her past work and was anxiously awaiting this 2025 release. This book had a really unique premise. Jane and Dan have been married for 19 years and their marriage is just feeling very lackluster. They aren't happy, and Jane is considering asking for a divorce. So in an effort to shake things up, instead of their normal anniversary date night at Macaroni Grill, they go to a fancy and expensive restaurant - La Fin du Monde. Things quickly go off the rails when the restaurant is held up by armed climate activists in what becomes a comedy of errors. Jane and Dan are forced to consider what is important in their middle aged years, their marriage, parenting, life, and love. The storyline was just fresh and different. The character development was quite good. I really got invested in both Jane and Dan's storyline and headspace throughout the books. I found myself rooting for them as a couple and as parents. A mash up of a family drama and a comedy!

Colleen Oakley has written some of my favorite books over the years and I was so excited to get my hands on Jane and Dan at the End of the World. This story is a bit more kitschy/quirky than some of her other novels, but still very enjoyable for me. Jane and Dan are celebrating their anniversary and all is not as wonderful as it may seem on the outsiders, but what happens at this dinner certainly takes everyone for a surprise.

This concept was interesting and was excited to see how Dan and Jane’s relationship was changed by a near-death experience, and to see how life imitated art through the hostile takeover of the restaurant mirroring the plot of Jane’s novel. I felt like Jane was relatable and appreciated the commentary on motherhood, marriage, social comparison, and liked the family drama element of the story. I thought it was a bit hard to connect to the main characters and still thought Jane was a little too unlikable. I expected Dan and Jane’s relationship to grow/develop more through the book. I also thought the hostage situation plot was exciting initially but the sense of danger didn’t hold up as well throughout- which may have been intentional but wasn’t keeping me on the edge of my seat reading it. Overall would rate 3.5 stars and would read more from this author who was new to me for this book!

There's so much to like about this novel! I found Jane to be very realistic with her self-doubts in her 40s. Her husband Dan is portrayed as somewhat detached and clueless but that all changes very neatly in climatic scenes. I liked how the author plants seemingly insignificant mentions that become important much later (pay attention to Dan's ultimate frisbee passion). Lots of twists happen that move the plot right along at an agreeable pace. This is a perfect beach read and quite possibly a quality choice for a book club. There's much to discuss about what is important in a marriage! There are some secondary characters not quite developed but that is forgiven as a minor quibble.

4.5* rounded up. You are sure to enjoy this book if you are in the mood for a light, witty, fun-filled read, with interesting characters. Jane and her husband Dan are spending their 19th anniversary at an exclusive, cliffside restaurant in California, La Fin du Monde, At the End of the World.
Jane is unhappy with her life and marriage, and she suspects Dan of having an affair. During the first dinner course, she shocks him by saying she wants a divorce.

Unexpectedly, a group of armed terrorists enter, take cell phones, and zip tie the people’s wrists and feet. The drama that ensues is very much like that of the mystery she wrote six years ago. How could that be, when only 500 copies sold? She knows her book’s ending and it’s not good.
The banter between the couple and that among the hostages had me laughing aloud. Who are these terrorists and what do they want? The twists and turns are answered by the end of their 4-hour hostage ordeal.
Thank you to BookBrowse and NetGalley for an ARC in return for my review.

Jane and Dan is a delight to read. A laugh out loud story with relatable characters and I loved them beginning to end! Highly recommend!

Probably 4 1/2 stars. Jane and Dan go to an ultra-fancy restaurant to celebrate their anniversary, after receiving a mysterious gift card. Shortly after dinner begins - and shortly after Jane asks Dan for a divorce - a group of people break in and take everyone hostage. As the evening progresses, Jane realizes the break-in is very similar to a (not very successful) book she wrote a few years ago, and if the break-in ends up like her book does, everyone will soon be dead. The book was pretty funny, and there were a few twists I didn't see coming. I look forward to going back and reading more of this author's work. Thank-you to NetGalley, Berkley Press, and Ms. Oakley for the ARC of this title

“She groans. Never let the things you want make you forget the things you have. *** dammit, maybe those influencers were right after all.”

In her wildly popular The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise, the main characters are at opposites of the age spectrum. Within these pages, Jane and Dan sit squarely in the center of mid life and Oakley explores their traits and quirks with humor and heart. She obviously has experience with the joys, the pitfalls and the snark associated with this time frame and her signature humor shines through.

As the middle class California couple celebrates their 19th anniversary at a fancy cliffside restaurant, a plot unfolds in a most unordinary way. Jane begins the meal asking Dan for a divorce just as an “underground environmental action organization” enters the space with a plan of their own. What transpires from here is a madcap series of events, which made this a delightful read.

I loved the premise of life imitating Jane’s unsuccessful debut novel and know that readers who are fond of Oakley’s writing style will relish this novel.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing for the early copy in exchange for my honest review.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World is a sharp, laugh-out-loud exploration of life’s messiest moments. Equal parts biting satire and heartfelt comedy, it actually had me laughing out loud. The author captures the realities of marriage, motherhood, and personal failure with an honesty that feels both relatable and refreshing.

The story begins with Jane and Dan marking their 19th (or maybe 20th?) wedding anniversary at the world’s most exclusive restaurant. As Jane breaks the news to Dan that she wants a divorce, the evening takes an even more chaotic turn when a group of terrorists storms in. These criminals are so hilariously inept that it actually makes me feel zero stress at the situation and just feels really comical, and to Jane’s astonishment, the heist mirrors the plot of her failed novel almost beat for beat.

What sets this book apart is how seamlessly it blends absurd humor with razor-sharp commentary. The struggles of long-term relationships, the pressure of unmet expectations, and the glaring inequalities of wealth and privilege. Yet she tackles it all with wit and charm, delivering a story that’s really entertaining and strangely kind of warm. This book is entertaining, chaotic, and one-of-a-kind.

This book was an absolute delight to read, with relatable characters and a compelling story that pulled me in from the very first page. The plot centers around Jane and Dan, a couple celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary at a fancy, upscale restaurant when their evening takes a sudden, chaotic turn.
The narrative brilliantly explores Jane's introspections about her life choices—her roles as a parent, spouse, and writer—while Dan contemplates his own capacity for heroism in the midst of an unraveling night. What truly made this story stand out was its emotional depth combined with an edge-of-your-seat pace. The characters felt real and grounded, their struggles and reflections mirroring the complexities of life, love, and family. I found myself unable to put the book down, eagerly turning pages late into the night just to see how it all resolved.

In short, this is a fantastic read for anyone looking for a blend of drama, suspense, and heartfelt storytelling. Highly recommended!

I would give this book 6/5 stars if I could. Sometimes, some books just resonate deeply, and Oakley's 'Jane and Dan at the End of the World' was one of those. It's not a book I ever wanted (or needed) to skim to get through... and as someone with ADD who does this a lot... I need you to understand the significance. Set over a few hours at dinner and with an epilogue that I loved as well. It was like someone perfectly put into words what it is to wonder about the road not taken.

Jane's character, whom I dearly loved and wanted to hug, was not a character I knew I needed until I found her, and I will remember her for a while to come. It was a reminder to be grateful for what you have and look forward to the possibilities of what may still come in the future. Doors really aren't ever locked.. they need to be cracked open again. I will be buying a trophy copy for my shelf!!

Even though this isn't a romance... it's somewhat more literary fiction... I still feel like there were such unforgettable moments of insight into romantic relationships that I want to include in my romance roundup soon because it's SO good, and everyone needs to read it!

**Thank you to Berkley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

I have enjoyed a lot of author Oakley's back-list, "Tanner & Louise" was great & so was "Invisible Husband..." so I was very interested in this new title, "Jane & Dan at the End of the World". Alas, it was a bit of a miss for me. Overall, I liked the premise - a long married couple coming apart and just when they're about to split up, wham, they're in a hostage situation. But it just didn't work for me - I just kept thinking of other books or movies that I was familiar with & that did it better. And I also didn't quite vibe with the MC's - especially Jane, just not likable or sympathetic enough. But I did find the restaurant take-over interesting enough to keep flipping pages to see how it turned out, so not a complete loss - it did have it's moments, so I guess a mixed review, overall & will still be interested in what the author does next. My thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for my early readers copy, always appreciate the opportunity to read these releases.

Thank you NetGalley, for this uncorrected ebook ARC of 'Jane and Dan at the End of the World' by Colleen Oakley - expected release date 03/11/2025

This was a fun read. It was fast paced and there was always something going on in the storyline, but not in an overwhelming way. The action kept me going, I was interested in what the characters were going to say and do next. I also liked all the characters, Oakley did a good job of giving enough information that you felt connected to them. Jane was a little extra at times but hey, aren't all us ladies!? I love that the plot was ridiculous, and called out as such in the way that it was.

I've read a lot of Oakley's books and I've liked them all, this one was different than her usual writing and shows her range as a writer. I didn't feel like there were any holes in her story either, she tied everything up in the end.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading this book and found it engaging. The sense of humor throughout was similar to mine and had me laughing. If I could write a book, I imagine it with this type of writing. Some may find the light touch on a terrorist action to be disturbing. I am recommending friends to read for the phrasing and wit of the writing.

This started out promising but quickly became outlandish and I found myself skimming a lot of the book. This was a miss for me.

2.75 stars

Quite different from her normal kind of writing style but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It was quirky and fun and definitely unique. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

I’m between a 2.5-3 star on this one. I really appreciated the plot and audience it will resonate with - I just didn’t relate and I think that made this read hard for me to stick with. Jane and Dan unexpectedly end up dining at an expensive restaurant for their nineteenth wedding anniversary. Jane is bored and unsatisfied with her life and marriage. Jane has also discovered that Dan has been cheating on her. Shortly after informing him she would like a divorce, a group of climate change activists arrive and take everyone hostage. This book fell short in terms of feeling dragged out and slow to read.

Thank you @netgalley and @berkleypub for this ARC. I was so excited to receive this book after loving Colleen Oakley’s The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise. This book has some of the same elements - crime, mystery, and unexpected twists.

This story starts off with a couple celebrating their 19th anniversary by going to an absurdly expensive and posh restaurant with an exclusive drive and a cliff side location. What sets this anniversary apart from others is that Jane decides to share her desire for a divorce. The reader is a spectator during her blasé delivery but soon must buckle up as masked terrorists barge into the restaurant, taking all the diners hostage. What ensues is a riot of comedic twists, mishaps, discoveries, and unexpected heroism. In the hopes of not sharing any spoilers, I will leave it there, but encourage you to add this one to your list! To be published on March 11, 2025!

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Jane and Dan at the End of the World delivers a very entertaining read. I enjoy all of Colleen Oakley's novels. She has an uncanny way with plot and dialogue that makes her novels unspool in living color as you read them. I think it is the way she puts very ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and then sets things in motion. Jane and Dan at the End of the World is my favorite of her novels to date. Centering her novel on Jane, a one book author, and her husband, Dan a plodding podiatrist with a new passion, the novel takes place over the course of one evening.

Ms. Oakley's plot twists are clever and surprising. Her dialogue is realistic and laugh out loud funny.

I will be recommending this book to all my reading friends and to the book club I lead. We read Colleen Oakley's previous novel, The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise, to the delight of all of our readers. (less)