An unexpected little take about Jane and Dan - and this one did not go where I thought it would! Burnt out on their relationship, Jane is ready to call it quits when one night full of drama erupts unexpectedly. This one had me giggling throughout - its a quirky, but catching story!

Jane & Dan are going out for their 19th wedding anniversary to the most expensive restaurant around. But nothing goes quite as planned. Jane tries to tell her husband that she wants a divorce, only to be interrupted by terrorists taking over the restaurant and holding them all hostage. Not only that, but the terrorists seem to be following a book Jane wrote years earlier that was a flop. Very few books sold and she considered it a failure. When she realizes they are using her plot, she feels a little proud. What follows is funny and heartfelt, with a little suspense thrown in.

This was a fun book with some great characters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced adopt in exchange for an honest review.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World is a fun romp with substance. Colleen Oakley has the ability to write novels that feature quirky characters engaging in zany behavior that seems reasonable in the moment, while experiencing core human emotions (love, fear, frustration, etc.).

The story takes place entirely in a remote upscale restaurant; Dan thinks they’re celebrating their 20th anniversary, but Jane plans to ask him for a divorce. When armed climate activists storm the building and take hostages, the evening gets more exciting. Then the identity of one of the activists completely stuns the couple. It would be wiser to keep quiet, but both Jane and Dan put themselves in precarious situations as events unfold.

I enjoyed learning about the couple’s history as current events play out in reverse chronological order. Plenty of jabs at their professions are in the plot; Dan is a podiatrist and Jane’s a less-than-successful novelist. The audiobook is narrated by Hillary Huber who perfectly conveys the dry humor and other nuances of the dialog and added to my enjoyment of this novel.

Thank you to Berkley for the review copy of the ebook and to Omaha Public Library for including the audiobook in its catalog.

I feel irreverent and inappropriate describing a #book with its underlying premise being an elitist restaurant hostage situation as quirky, hilarious, deeply relatable, fun, and brilliant, but somehow this incredible little #read manages to do exactly that, in a hysterical, but also deeply moving, heavily satirical adventure. All I can say is that this one is truly worth the #read, and is one of the most entertaining and original works I’ve delved into a while. Words really cannot do the unorthodox nature of this one justice. I highly recommend this one, from its brilliant satire, and well executed themes of family, parenthood, marriage, middle-aged life crises, and more.

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Jane and Dan are a seemingly normal, married couple struggling with the usual ups and downs of the stage of life they find themselves in. Their children are growing up and in the midst of teenage brooding, individual issues, rebellion, and identity struggles, their marriage seems to be completely devoid of romance and sparks of days past, Jane’s literary career is abysmal and underappreciated at best, and Dan’s career as a podiatrist is – frankly – not nearly as entertaining as Jane imagines the daily life of a brain surgeon might be.

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When Jane and Dan attend one of the most elite, upscale restaurants and dining experiences California – and the world at large – has to offer for their anniversary, Jane is prepared to break some harsh news to Dan. However, their thousand dollar first course serving is barely on the table before their night is interrupted by a group of passionate, armed environmental climate activists who take the diners and staff hostage. The unfortunate turn of events, including a shocking member of the underground group that they both recognize, forces both Jane and Dan to grapple with their lives, choices, pasts, future, values, beliefs, and happiness and family at large.

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This one really just is a pure, pure joy, and I cannot recommend it enough. Despite the events that unfold, this one will leave you with a huge grin on your face by the time you’re done.

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#bookrec #bookrecommendations📚❣️ #bookreviewer #bookreviews #reading #tbr #tbrlist #mustreads #bookrecs

I had a lot of fun reading Colleen Oakley's latest novel! It reminded me of the movies Date Night and The Menu (the latter because of the food and eclectic atmosphere).

I enjoyed the dual perspectives of Jane and Dan and seeing what was at stake for both of them. There were a lot of humorous and honest moments throughout the story and I definitely wanted to see how everything was going to unfold. I felt like I was right there at the restaurant with them as everything was so easy to visualize without taking away from the narrative. Colleen puts her characters in a bizarre situation and somehow makes it work really well. I found myself laughing out loud at times and getting worried for everyone at other times. Meanwhile, we get to explore Jne and Dan's relationship and marriage and how they handle a dangerous situation together.

I just had a great time reading this novel, as it was witty and creative. I want my husband to read it as I think he'll enjoy it too. I already can't wait for whatever Colleen comes up with next!

(Trigger warnings below.)

Movie casting suggestions:
Jane: JoAnna Garcia Swisher
Dan: Richie Moriarty
Sissy: Sterling Jerins
Brick: Taika Waititi
Kip: Michael Cassidy
Vaughn: Jaime Ray Newman
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TW: Gun violence, medical situations involving blood

This one sounded like a lot of fun. That premise was very promising. Unfortunately for me the story didn't live up to it.

Jane and Dan seem to be on the verge of a divorce. They are celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary (or is it their 20th...they really don't know 🤷🏻‍♀️) at a swanky restaurant. All of a sudden a group of armed terrorists barge into the restaurant and take them all hostage. Dan sees something familiar in one of the them. It can't be can it? Jane also observes something. She wrote a book (that sold less than 500 copies) that centred around the same scenario she now finds herself in. Just what is going on?

I liked the themes of marriage and motherhood and some aspects were relatable and funny. I also liked some of the "inner dialogue" by the characters. It had a lot going for it at first. I was entertained to a point. Perhaps it was a little too long for this type of story? Light and zany but it just got way too absurd for my liking.

Published on March 11, 2025

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy.

This is such a wonderfully unique story! Yes, the plot is implausible but it's so well-written that I was all in. I related to Jane and Dan's relationship and laughed out loud at some of the things they go through. I could totally see this book as a movie and would be first in line to watch.

Thanks to Berkley for the copy to review.

This is a fun action filled story of a couple trying to experience a one in a lifetime Michelin meal, and then being held hostage in a manner similar to a book the wife had written. A few teeny twists, some laughs etc. A bit far fetched of course but a fast read.

Long-time married couple Jane & Dan win a reservation at a high end restaurant that just happens to coincide with their 19th anniversary. However, Jane is dissatisfied with her marriage and her failures as an author so she decides to ask for a divorce at the dinner. Before Dan can process what Jane just said, the restaurant is taken over by eco-terrorists and the night is unfolding like the plot of Jane's one failed novel. Crazy premise, even crazier that it kind of works as long as you suspend some rational thinking while reading. Overall an enjoyable ride, even if Jane is a bit abrasive and Dan is kind of meh.

This book was super cute and fun to read but I found it childish/very YA. I think people would enjoy this reading on the beach with a drink in hand.

I don't know, I'm not sure this is really that good but I'm giving it a 5 because it was unique and hilarious and it felt original. Such an odd plot -- how can these terrorists know so much about Jane's book, which she doesn't even think her husband ever read? And why does that terrorist look so familiar? This all takes place in a short time and the time just raced by reading it, leaving me with a bemused smile for the rest of the day.

so much fun, i love colleen oakley!! this book was so original, and the characters felt SO realistic - which can be hard to come by these days! such a fun plot and read overall, thank you netgalley and the publisher for this eArc in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in return for my honest review. I read this book in 2 days as I wanted to know what was going to happen. Jane and Dan go to a fancy restaurant to celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary. While there, a group of activists arrive and take all of the patrons hostage. The scenario of the hostage takeover is very similar to Jane's recent novel, that was not a hit. In addition to this storyline, Jane and Dan are having marital problems, which Jane brings up at the beginning of the fancy dinner.

I wanted to really love this story but I had a hard time following parts of it. It is listed as a funny novel, but I really didn't laugh while reading it. The ending wasn't my favorite either. It's a quick read and I'd say quirky story.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley is a wildly original, laugh-out-loud, and unexpectedly tender novel about love, regret, and second chances—set against the backdrop of a hostage situation that feels ripped from a fever dream. Jane and Dan’s anniversary dinner gone wrong turns into a hilarious and heartfelt reckoning with their marriage, their past, and the bizarre realization that the chaos unfolding mirrors Jane’s own failed novel.

Oakley masterfully blends sharp wit with emotional depth, creating a story that’s both absurdly entertaining and deeply human. If you love character-driven stories with a twist of chaos and a whole lot of heart, this one’s a must-read.

Very interesting concept! A lot of fun to read too! I really love how original Colleen Oakley’s books are. This one is my fav of hers yet. Pacing and the funny banter between Jane and Dan was so captivating to read.

This was good fun. Jane is an unknown, unsuccessful writer who starts to realize the situation she's in has been lifted straight out of the book she authored. The plot's a funny mashup--an examination of midlife, marital malaise, and letting go of grown kids--set during a madcap hostage situation in a distinctive, upscale restaurant (modeled on one I've actually been to!). I did not quite love it as I did her previous, The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise. But it's entertaining and a distraction, entertaining to both listen to and read in print!

Whatever ideas I had about how this book would play out were challenged at every turn and I could not have loved it more.

Jane, a struggling author-mother-wife, and her husband go to the most expensive restaurant in the area to celebrate their - number undetermined by said couple - anniversary. And that's the only thing that goes according to plans or expectation.

As the story unfolds, readers are brought into a heist that feels all too familiar to Jane ... as if someone is recreating her singular published book IRL! Her terror that their evening will play out exactly as she wrote it is compounded when she and her husband make another shocking discovery during the evening that they must keep to themselves and fix ASAP!

I truly enjoyed this adventurous novel! It was as predictably unpredictable and enjoyable as I love these novels to be - especially when every threads comes together to create a beautiful tapestry of creativity!

So thankful to have had the opportunity to experience this work!

3.5 rounded up

This is the fourth book by Colleen Oakley I've read and I've really enjoyed them all. I listened to this one on audio and it was a fun listen. I'm pretty picky when it comes to narrators and I liked this one's performance.

You'll have to suspend your disbelief for this story, so go into it knowing that outrageous things will happen and just enjoy the ride. The story had some twists that surprised me and it made me laugh out loud several times. I liked that it is from a few different perspectives – mainly Jane's, but also a bit of Dan's as well as a few others. The ending/epilogue didn't quite feel right to me, but I'm not sure I know what I would have preferred in its place.

Overall it was a fun read for a road trip.

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. The story is absolutely ludicrous but that's what kept me reading and reading and next thing I knew I had finished the book in a few hours. It was kooky and funny but also explored deeper themes like the evolution of marriage and motherhood. The author did an amazing job finding that balance between chaos and relatability. I was committed to the craze but also to Jane & Dans well being and rediscovery of self.

I was very skeptical of this one in the beginning, it started out slow and I was worried it was gonna be a dud. But about thirty or so pages in it took a sharp left turn into a wildly outlandish, over the top caper that I am totally here for! The plot, an author on the verge of divorce goes out to dinner for her wedding anniversary and ends up in a hostage situation suspiciously similar to one she’s published in a book, is so unbelievable that you have to be willing to suspend all disbelief for it to work. But Oakley leans into the ridiculousness of it all so hard that instead of coming off as well, ridiculous, it’s absolutely hilarious! Can you imagine being in a high stakes game of read my lips with your spouse and instead of feeling scared of the man with a weapon you’re just annoyed that your spouse can’t seem to get it together! While the plot was fantastical, the main characters were grounded with very realistic reactions and down to earth Everyman type problems which offered a great balance to the book. So while it started slow, I thought this was a thoroughly enjoyable read!