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?

I really liked the unique premise of this story, It hooked me from the start. I could relate to some of it. Very funny and hard to put down.

This was really fun! Jane and Dan are at a crossroads. They've been married for years and are out "celebrating" their anniversary when they are taken hostage in what appears to be a scene straight from Jane's latest novel. Coincidence or something else??? You'll have to read and see!

This book had me laughing and guessing what would happen next the whole time. I have not read any other books by Colleen Oakley, but this made me want to check out the rest of her work because it was just such a fun experience. Kudos!

Just so inventive and whimsical, and Oakley's writing is always knife's-edge sharp. A true delight to read.

This book was absolutely STUNNING! I knew vary basic concepts of the synopsis but not much beforehand, and I'm glad I went in pretty blind because it was just hilarious and so well written. I felt incredibly endeared to the characters and loved the blend of satire, comedy, romance, and suspense! I hope to re-read this book in the future and am just so thankful for the opportunity to read Jane and Dan's funny and relatable story with on-point social commentary throughout.

This was such a fun book. Which might be an odd thing to say about a hostage situation, but Colleen Oakley just has this way with her books.

I liked the premise of the book: a couple that is going through a rough patch goes to a fancy restaurant to celebrate theis anniversary when eco-activists start making demands following the wife's unpublished book. It seemed like a fun idea. But there were so many plot holes and conveniences. But the worst part was how insufferable Jane was since the beginning and she never changes.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.

Jane and Dan are celebrating their anniversary at the most fancy restaurant. Life has gotten in the way and after tonight's events who knows where they end up. Colleen Oakley keeps you laughing, nodding and doesn't let you put the book down. Loved following along on this wild ride. This fun, lighthearted novel is full of life lessons, familiar craziness of our weird world and is an overall great time.

I needed a palette cleanser after the gorgeously written, yet heart destroying This Is A Love Story, and Colleen Oakley’s Jane and Dan At The End Of The World saved me from dwelling on how sad I felt by being an entertaining, smart, laugh out loud funny read.

I actually snort laughed in public multiple times. I felt enormous empathy with Jane (ok, and Dan) as they find themselves in the most precarious and hilarious of situations. It’s more serious moments made me think about my own family and my relationship with my daughter. I have so much in common with Jane.

Read it and shake off any lingering winter blues! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Out Now!

Thank you to the author & @berkleypub for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my opinion.

QOTD: What’s one of your favorite things to do with your family?

#newbooks #funnybooks #familybooks #currentlyreading #bookrecommendations #arcreading #arcreviews #amreading #bookreview #bookreviews #netgalleyreview

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley is a fun, second chance marriage drama full of suspense and humor!

Jane and Dan have been married for 19 (or maybe 20 years) and heading out for their anniversary dinner at the expensive and fancy La Fin du Monde. Jane is over everything – her unsuccessful writing career, parenting teenagers who no longer need her, and mediocre relationship where she is convinced Dan is cheating. Dan is of course oblivious to all of these issues. Just as Jane drops the bomb at dinner that she wants a divorce, activists storm the restaurant and take everyone hostage. This was a fun read and my favorite part was the inner monologues of Jane and Dan being so unbelievably relatable to real life! The plot of the hostage situation got a little too far fetched for me, but it was a great light hearted read!

Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and the author for this e-ARC. 3.5 ⭐