Reviewed by Dan
TITLE: The Bucket List
SERIES: Firsts and Forever Stories
AUTHOR: Alexa Land
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
RELEASE DATE: November 21, 2025
BLURB:
What would you do if you thought you only had a few months to live?
I may not believe in anything supernatural, but Devon Hughes does. He’s totally convinced he won’t make it to thirty, after a psychic tells him there’s a curse on his family. Since none of his male relatives reached that milestone birthday, that’s all the proof he needs.
With his thirtieth birthday looming, Devon’s all about making the most of every single day. He’s working his way through his bucket list and needs someone to share his adventures, which is where I come in. Since he’s the most fascinating and charismatic man I’ve ever met, not to mention gorgeous, I’m more than happy to get caught up in his whirlwind. But when things between us start to heat up, he’s clear about one thing—this can’t turn into anything serious, because he won’t start something he can’t finish.
I can’t help but wonder… if Devon makes it past his thirtieth birthday, will he want me to be a part of the future he never thought he’d have? Or will it turn out I was just another check mark on his bucket list?
The Bucket List is part of the Firsts and Forever Stories collection, and it can be read as a stand-alone. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy a feel-good, opposites attract gay romance. All the books in this collection feature endearingly quirky characters, found family, and a satisfying happily ever after.
REVIEW:
I intended to write this review on release day, but life had other plans. With Alexa Land’s stories, I always need to carve out uninterrupted time, because once I start reading, I’m completely absorbed until I reach those final words: “The End.” This book was no exception. I finally settled in on this snowy Vermont day after Thanksgiving, with the heater set to a cozy temperature and a whiteout outside—perfect conditions for diving into a new story.
Once again, we’re welcomed into the mismatched found family living in the big pink Victorian house in San Francisco—a familiar setting for many of Alexa’s books. This time, the spotlight is on Kit Cortez, who some may remember as Hal’s classmate from fashion design school. Kit was once homeless, living in the classroom, until Hal took him in. Now, Kit resides in the same big pink house that Hal once called home before moving to Texas for his happily ever after. Hal and Ryder make cameo appearances, but the heart of this story is Kit and the intriguing stranger he meets—Devon Hughes.
Devon’s entrance is dramatic: escaping an overly handsy landlord by jumping off a fire escape. Kit quickly learns that Devon believes he’s cursed—a psychic told him that all the men in his family die before their 30th birthday, and Devon’s milestone is just months away. Because of this, Devon is reluctant to start any relationship, not wanting anyone to fall in love with him only to face his possible death.
Kit, ever the skeptic, doesn’t buy into curses. When Kit’s work situation changes, he and Devon rent a camper van and set off on a road trip. Their journey takes them to San Diego to visit Kit’s dad, then to Texas to see Hal and Ryder, and finally to Baltimore to meet Devon’s parents. Along the way, their bond deepens, and they fall for each other more and more.
Does Devon die in the end? Would Alexa Land really do that to us? No spoilers here. I will say the ending moved me to tears—but whether they were tears of sadness or happiness, you’ll have to read the book to find out.
While this book works perfectly as a standalone, longtime fans will appreciate the recurring characters and connections. One note to Alexa: I miss Nana!
I highly recommend this book—and all of Alexa Land’s stories—to anyone who loves quirky characters, found family, and a satisfying happily ever after.
RATING: 
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