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Foolish Hearts
In the age of online dating, one night hook-ups, and getting dumped via text, it seems like romance has left the building. Best-selling authors and die-hard romantics, Timothy Lambert and R.D. Cochrane are back with a follow-up to their critically acclaimed "Fool for Love, " one of Insight Out Bookclub's bestselling titles ever, with a collection of gay romance that incites love (and lust) in readers everywhere.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 11, 2014
I have always been a short story fan. I grew up reading the best ... little treasures I could read in a single sitting. Of course, they were Science Fiction written by authors like Ray Bradbury back then. Today, I'm a lot older and my lifestyle has changed quite a bit. I'm gay, and I like fiction that reflects my way of life. Not the one-handed stuff with sex dripping on every page, but good two-handed fiction that captures genuine human emotions and attitudes in its many faceted ways. And this is what FOOLISH HEARTS delivers! Timothy J. Lambert and Becky Cochrane have assembled a perfect collection of seventeen stories that reflect that many variations of gay love and romance from yesterday to today. The authors are as varied as the stories they tell -- Felice Picano, Andrew Holleran, 'Nathan Burgoine, Jeffrey Ricker, David Puterbaugh, Rob Williams, Greg Herren, Paul Lisicky,Taylor McGrath, Mark G. Harris, Tony Calvert,Timothy Forry, Erik Orrantia, Steven Reigns, T. J. Lambert, Craig Cotter and Trebor Healey. I had my favorites, and you surely will have yours. Good reading all around. FIVES STARS!
February 26, 2016
Review posted on World of Diversity Fiction Reviews
Foolish Hearts is a collection of short stories. As a whole the collection makes a great book, something you can pick up anytime and read as many or as few as you want.
The stories range from serious to hilarious. I laughed, I cried and some made me stop and think about what the author was trying to convey. Each story was different and when I look at the stories individually some I loved and a few I couldn’t connect with, that doesn’t mean I didn’t like them I just didn’t get that instant connection I got from others. Maybe there needed to be more to the story, some of them were very short.
Hello Aloha by Tony Calvert was the one that made me laugh the most, how could I not when Goofy is one of the main characters. It’s about a man named Jory, he’s a best man at his friend’s wedding which takes place in Disney World. He meets and starts talking with Goofy, which is a challenge, Goofy isn’t allowed to talk while in costume. It was fun watching Goofy and Jory connecting and watching Jory fall for Goofy even though he hasn’t heard his voice or seen him without the Goofy getup. This was a really sweet feel good story.
But the story that will stay with me for a long time is Foundations by Timothy Forry. It had me crying pretty much from beginning to end. It’s the tale of two men, David and Claude. They have had a loving relationship for awhile but when Claude cheats, David is so hurt he spends a lot of time away from Claude . David is a painter who has a studio away from the house the two share, it’s the place where he spends time thinking about what happened between Claude and himself and why it happened. While at his studio a storm comes in, David worries about Claude being alone and when he can’t get a hold of him he panics and goes to find Claude. I bawled like a baby when I found out what happened to Claude and their dog and what came after.
The funny thing about this story, even though Claude cheated on David I couldn’t help but love that man and I wanted to rescue him. David made me angry and frustrated until he realizes he doesn’t want to be without Claude and does everything he can to find him and tell him.
In addition to those two stories, the following are the ones that I connected to the most for various reasons and the ones I want more of, they ended way too soon for me.
Struck by Nathan Burgoine
New Kid in Town: 1977 by Felice Picano
Symposium by Andrew Holleran
Touch Me in the Morning by Greg Herren
The Green Sweater by Mark G. Harris
All in all this collection was enjoyable, I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it.
Foolish Hearts is a collection of short stories. As a whole the collection makes a great book, something you can pick up anytime and read as many or as few as you want.
The stories range from serious to hilarious. I laughed, I cried and some made me stop and think about what the author was trying to convey. Each story was different and when I look at the stories individually some I loved and a few I couldn’t connect with, that doesn’t mean I didn’t like them I just didn’t get that instant connection I got from others. Maybe there needed to be more to the story, some of them were very short.
Hello Aloha by Tony Calvert was the one that made me laugh the most, how could I not when Goofy is one of the main characters. It’s about a man named Jory, he’s a best man at his friend’s wedding which takes place in Disney World. He meets and starts talking with Goofy, which is a challenge, Goofy isn’t allowed to talk while in costume. It was fun watching Goofy and Jory connecting and watching Jory fall for Goofy even though he hasn’t heard his voice or seen him without the Goofy getup. This was a really sweet feel good story.
But the story that will stay with me for a long time is Foundations by Timothy Forry. It had me crying pretty much from beginning to end. It’s the tale of two men, David and Claude. They have had a loving relationship for awhile but when Claude cheats, David is so hurt he spends a lot of time away from Claude . David is a painter who has a studio away from the house the two share, it’s the place where he spends time thinking about what happened between Claude and himself and why it happened. While at his studio a storm comes in, David worries about Claude being alone and when he can’t get a hold of him he panics and goes to find Claude. I bawled like a baby when I found out what happened to Claude and their dog and what came after.
The funny thing about this story, even though Claude cheated on David I couldn’t help but love that man and I wanted to rescue him. David made me angry and frustrated until he realizes he doesn’t want to be without Claude and does everything he can to find him and tell him.
In addition to those two stories, the following are the ones that I connected to the most for various reasons and the ones I want more of, they ended way too soon for me.
Struck by Nathan Burgoine
New Kid in Town: 1977 by Felice Picano
Symposium by Andrew Holleran
Touch Me in the Morning by Greg Herren
The Green Sweater by Mark G. Harris
All in all this collection was enjoyable, I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it.
February 18, 2014
I really enjoyed this collection of gay fiction, though not every story worked for me. I'll be focusing on the ones I loved, starting with the first story "Hello Aloha". Calvert wrote an ADORABLE story that takes place at Disney World and involves flirting with the Goofy mascot. I mean, seriously, this story was so cute and romantic- it's the perfect story to begin this anthology. Puterbaugh's story "How to Be Single At a Wedding" follows it and it was an interesting take on the theme. There isn't a romance here but the story is humorous and introspective and ends on a hopeful note for the main character's love life and his outlook on it.
"On These Sheets" is almost flash-fiction, it's so short, but it's a very sweet story and Reigns does a great job painting this relationship in such a short amount of pages. It just works so well. "Tea" is a more melancholic story but it is still romantic while being heartbreaking; it makes me want to read more from Ricker. It flashes back and forth between past and present, which could be a little confusing at times, but for the most part, worked really well.
"A Royal Mess" was so sweet, and I loved that it took place in a pet store. It was such a unique place to set this rekindling of old flames and made for a unique story. The reader really gets to know these characters and their past together and separately, and watch them work toward a future together. Burgoine's "Struck" was an extremely cute story and I absolutely loved it. There's a bit of magical realism sprinkled into it, which made it very fun. I loved that the main character was a bookstore clerk and it was all just GAH SO ADORABLE! I want to read more of these characters.
"Foundations" by Timothy Forry is a sweeping love story about a couple during a massive thunderstorm being miles apart; it made me tear up. It's a really beautiful story. Finally, I really enjoyed "Meditation" by Timothy J. Lambert, which was humorous and cute while having very little dialogue (there's three lines spoken, only one of which is to the love interest).
Overall, this is a fantastic collection of gay fiction and while I may not have liked every story (though that would be hard to do anyway), I can appreciate the writer's prose and talent. There's definitely a story here for everybody; every one is so different.
"On These Sheets" is almost flash-fiction, it's so short, but it's a very sweet story and Reigns does a great job painting this relationship in such a short amount of pages. It just works so well. "Tea" is a more melancholic story but it is still romantic while being heartbreaking; it makes me want to read more from Ricker. It flashes back and forth between past and present, which could be a little confusing at times, but for the most part, worked really well.
"A Royal Mess" was so sweet, and I loved that it took place in a pet store. It was such a unique place to set this rekindling of old flames and made for a unique story. The reader really gets to know these characters and their past together and separately, and watch them work toward a future together. Burgoine's "Struck" was an extremely cute story and I absolutely loved it. There's a bit of magical realism sprinkled into it, which made it very fun. I loved that the main character was a bookstore clerk and it was all just GAH SO ADORABLE! I want to read more of these characters.
"Foundations" by Timothy Forry is a sweeping love story about a couple during a massive thunderstorm being miles apart; it made me tear up. It's a really beautiful story. Finally, I really enjoyed "Meditation" by Timothy J. Lambert, which was humorous and cute while having very little dialogue (there's three lines spoken, only one of which is to the love interest).
Overall, this is a fantastic collection of gay fiction and while I may not have liked every story (though that would be hard to do anyway), I can appreciate the writer's prose and talent. There's definitely a story here for everybody; every one is so different.
July 26, 2016
I picked up this book of gay romance -- some quirky and some steamy some serious -- at my new internship. So far my favorite has been Paul Lisicky's "Nude Beach," which had me from the first sentence, when a man can't even finish a sandwich because there's a nice ass distracting him. So much of desire is wrapped up in hunger, and in what we put in our mouths. And in starving, and in not getting what we want. Like a misplaced phone number. These stories are fun and sexy, but there is also a certain realness to some of them, something frail.
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
August 12, 2016
Review Rating - 4.5 Stars
As a lover of short fiction, I’ve read my share of short story compilations over the years, some more memorable than others. But there is one anthology that always stands out and remains one of my favourites – Fool for Love: New Gay Fiction by editors Timothy J. Lambert and R.D. Cochrane, released by Cleis Press in 2009.
In January 2014, Lambert and Cochrane released their second anthology Foolish Hearts: New Gay Fiction, the follow-up to Fool for Love. Once again, they have brought together an exceptional collection of seventeen short stories featuring contributions from well-established authors and newer writers of gay fiction, including from several alumni of their first anthology.
Foolish Hearts offers a diverse mix of stories and themes, including: the thrill of young love; the bitter sweetness of unfulfilled love; second chances at love; and how through love we often find ourselves. Much has happened in the United States in the advance of LGBTQ rights over the last five years. And as art often reflects real life another prominent theme for a number of the stories is same-sex marriage. But, there is also a distinct international flavour to the anthology as the stories and their characters come from all parts of the globe in celebration of gay romance, love and life.
The complete review of Foolish Hearts: New Gay Fiction by Timothy J. Lambert and R.D. Cochrane is available at Indie Reviews.
On the occasion of the release of Foolish Hearts, as well as the Valentine's Day release of their third anthology Best Gay Romance 2014, Timothy J. Lambert and R.D. Cochrane agreed to participate in a Q & A, which is also available in its entirety at Indie Reviews.
As a lover of short fiction, I’ve read my share of short story compilations over the years, some more memorable than others. But there is one anthology that always stands out and remains one of my favourites – Fool for Love: New Gay Fiction by editors Timothy J. Lambert and R.D. Cochrane, released by Cleis Press in 2009.
In January 2014, Lambert and Cochrane released their second anthology Foolish Hearts: New Gay Fiction, the follow-up to Fool for Love. Once again, they have brought together an exceptional collection of seventeen short stories featuring contributions from well-established authors and newer writers of gay fiction, including from several alumni of their first anthology.
Foolish Hearts offers a diverse mix of stories and themes, including: the thrill of young love; the bitter sweetness of unfulfilled love; second chances at love; and how through love we often find ourselves. Much has happened in the United States in the advance of LGBTQ rights over the last five years. And as art often reflects real life another prominent theme for a number of the stories is same-sex marriage. But, there is also a distinct international flavour to the anthology as the stories and their characters come from all parts of the globe in celebration of gay romance, love and life.
The complete review of Foolish Hearts: New Gay Fiction by Timothy J. Lambert and R.D. Cochrane is available at Indie Reviews.
On the occasion of the release of Foolish Hearts, as well as the Valentine's Day release of their third anthology Best Gay Romance 2014, Timothy J. Lambert and R.D. Cochrane agreed to participate in a Q & A, which is also available in its entirety at Indie Reviews.
June 25, 2024
Valentine's Day may have been almost a month ago, but we don't need a holiday on the calendar to celebrate romance. In the tender short story collection "Foolish Hearts," editors Timothy J. Lambert and R. D. Cochrane have compiled seventeen heartfelt tales from our favorite authors, as well as a few newcomers to the gay lit scene, that will excite, amuse and inspire readers, any time throughout the year.
Love comes in many forms, often when we least expect it and in the oddest of places. These authors examine romantic love as a fond memory, an unrecognizable force, something to strive for, an unattainable goal, and perhaps not surprisingly, given our community's recent advances in the political climate, the culmination of marriage. Anyone who has had so much as a crush will treasure several -- if not all -- of the entries in this anthology, or at least appreciate one that will assuredly bring a smile to your face.
Weddings are certainly a resounding theme, most originally in Tony Calvert's terribly clever "Hello Aloha," where the narrator, Jordan, having recently broken up with someone, has to endure the Disney-themed wedding of his friends Chad and Martin. The event turns out better than expected when Jordan becomes smitten with Goofy, or rather the park employee dressed as the animated character, who steals his heart without having to say much at all.
Best man Peter and maid of honor Natalie ponder middle age and loneliness while in Provincetown for the wedding of Brian and Jason, in David Puterbaugh's cagey "How to be Single at a Wedding." A long term couple from Mexico, Osvaldo and Daniel, escape the confines of their ranch to elope in Mexico City and discover there are countless others just like them in the touching "Victoria" by Erik Orrantia.
The narrator of "On These Sheets," Steven Reign's brief albeit profound entry, isn't quite ready to marry Timothy, his boyfriend of eight months, yet somehow knows he'll be around for a while. Nathan Burgoine introduces Chris and Liam, two mall employees, who are adorably "Struck" by Cupid's arrow, courtesy of a uniquely gifted blogger, Lightning Todd. Another budding romance is at the center of Mark G. Harris's earnest "The Green Sweater," where party guests Doug and Jay discover they were meant for each other.
Between the matrimony and matchmaking there is still plenty of flirting and frivolity to feast upon. After an anonymous encounter, Matthias can't seem to get a particular stranger out of his mind in Paul Lisicky's rousing "Nude Beach." Sex and drugs are at the forefront of Felice Picano's fierce "New Kid In Town: 1977," where Vic has mixed feelings about the Hollywood party scene. Meanwhile, the alluring "Meditation" proves to be anything but relaxing when Timothy J. Lambert's narrator becomes preoccupied with a fellow participant, whom he refers to a Corn-Fed Guy.
I feel compelled to call attention to Andrew Holleran's oddly fascinating, noteworthy and arguably semi-autobiographical "Symposium," which follows two authors of a certain age who are holed up at a Fort Lauderdale gay guest house, waxing philosophic on such topics as sex without sentiment and the state of gay literature and publishing.
The stories of "Foolish Hearts" are engaging, provocative, relatable, and, therefore, readable. Whether you're looking for love or unsure about your current relationship and its status, this anthology serves as both worthwhile entertainment and a guidebook for renewing your faith in romance.
Love comes in many forms, often when we least expect it and in the oddest of places. These authors examine romantic love as a fond memory, an unrecognizable force, something to strive for, an unattainable goal, and perhaps not surprisingly, given our community's recent advances in the political climate, the culmination of marriage. Anyone who has had so much as a crush will treasure several -- if not all -- of the entries in this anthology, or at least appreciate one that will assuredly bring a smile to your face.
Weddings are certainly a resounding theme, most originally in Tony Calvert's terribly clever "Hello Aloha," where the narrator, Jordan, having recently broken up with someone, has to endure the Disney-themed wedding of his friends Chad and Martin. The event turns out better than expected when Jordan becomes smitten with Goofy, or rather the park employee dressed as the animated character, who steals his heart without having to say much at all.
Best man Peter and maid of honor Natalie ponder middle age and loneliness while in Provincetown for the wedding of Brian and Jason, in David Puterbaugh's cagey "How to be Single at a Wedding." A long term couple from Mexico, Osvaldo and Daniel, escape the confines of their ranch to elope in Mexico City and discover there are countless others just like them in the touching "Victoria" by Erik Orrantia.
The narrator of "On These Sheets," Steven Reign's brief albeit profound entry, isn't quite ready to marry Timothy, his boyfriend of eight months, yet somehow knows he'll be around for a while. Nathan Burgoine introduces Chris and Liam, two mall employees, who are adorably "Struck" by Cupid's arrow, courtesy of a uniquely gifted blogger, Lightning Todd. Another budding romance is at the center of Mark G. Harris's earnest "The Green Sweater," where party guests Doug and Jay discover they were meant for each other.
Between the matrimony and matchmaking there is still plenty of flirting and frivolity to feast upon. After an anonymous encounter, Matthias can't seem to get a particular stranger out of his mind in Paul Lisicky's rousing "Nude Beach." Sex and drugs are at the forefront of Felice Picano's fierce "New Kid In Town: 1977," where Vic has mixed feelings about the Hollywood party scene. Meanwhile, the alluring "Meditation" proves to be anything but relaxing when Timothy J. Lambert's narrator becomes preoccupied with a fellow participant, whom he refers to a Corn-Fed Guy.
I feel compelled to call attention to Andrew Holleran's oddly fascinating, noteworthy and arguably semi-autobiographical "Symposium," which follows two authors of a certain age who are holed up at a Fort Lauderdale gay guest house, waxing philosophic on such topics as sex without sentiment and the state of gay literature and publishing.
The stories of "Foolish Hearts" are engaging, provocative, relatable, and, therefore, readable. Whether you're looking for love or unsure about your current relationship and its status, this anthology serves as both worthwhile entertainment and a guidebook for renewing your faith in romance.
April 13, 2022
I was very tempted to give this anthology one star - but I felt that was unfair because it was a reflection of the bizarre (to me) over praise of this book by so many reviewers and also my utter anger and disgust with one story Taylor McGrath's 'A Royal Mess' because it of its saccharine use of exiled 'royals' from Kashmir - it is hard to conceal my anger and disgust with this - the last maharaja of Kashmir was one of the most nasty pieces of self centered shit that ever graced a throne and is directly responsible for tens if not hundreds of thousands of deaths in the ongoing Kashmir civil war. Its like making the problems of the descendants of Mussolini since he was toppled from power the subject of a romance.
Anyway although most of the stories are mediocre there are two fine stories from Trebor Healey and Andrew Holleran, a disappointingly unengaging piece by Paul Lisicksy and a story from Felice Picano that confirms that, while we should be grateful to him for helping found the Violet Quill and encouraging gay writing, he is not a reason to read an anthology.
I'll be honest and say that I don't like anthologies that are themed around 'love' or 'summer' or whatever subtitle you can think of, I just like and want to read good stories - but if you like that sort of thing then you'll buy this anthology and disregard my review - and I don't begrudge the authors their exposure - earning any kind of living as a writer is tough enough without me raining on their parade.
One final note beware of Amazon's careless way with publication dates - this anthology came out in 2013 - Amazon has the Kindle edition down as 2020 - which may be factually correct as far as the actual Kindle edition but it doesn't stop the stories being nearly ten years old.
Anyway although most of the stories are mediocre there are two fine stories from Trebor Healey and Andrew Holleran, a disappointingly unengaging piece by Paul Lisicksy and a story from Felice Picano that confirms that, while we should be grateful to him for helping found the Violet Quill and encouraging gay writing, he is not a reason to read an anthology.
I'll be honest and say that I don't like anthologies that are themed around 'love' or 'summer' or whatever subtitle you can think of, I just like and want to read good stories - but if you like that sort of thing then you'll buy this anthology and disregard my review - and I don't begrudge the authors their exposure - earning any kind of living as a writer is tough enough without me raining on their parade.
One final note beware of Amazon's careless way with publication dates - this anthology came out in 2013 - Amazon has the Kindle edition down as 2020 - which may be factually correct as far as the actual Kindle edition but it doesn't stop the stories being nearly ten years old.
May 20, 2017
Fantastic selection of stories. Delightful read.
November 24, 2021
Some gems in this collection, particularly the first story, set in Disney World.
March 9, 2017
I liked most of the stories in this anthology. Some more than others. The ones I didn't like, it's only because I didn't understand them in some way. I still hanker for stories that are fun. Too many of them are sad, or sober. It's like gay stories of the 70's where someone dies in the end.
I liked "Hello Aloha", "Victoria", "Foundations", and "Meditation"
I really liked "Tea", "Green Sweater". Perhaps because there was a foolishness in the main characters.
"On These Sheets", "A Royal Mess" "New Kid in Town:1977", "Rochester Summer", "Bothered Bewildered", were nice.
I didn't particularly like "Three Things I Pray". Perhaps because of the fantasy aspect of it. But, like "Stuck", and it had a fantasy aspect. Must be in the telling.
"Nude Beach" and "Touch Me In The Morning" were lost on me.
"Symposium" may resonate with me at some time.
I liked "Hello Aloha", "Victoria", "Foundations", and "Meditation"
I really liked "Tea", "Green Sweater". Perhaps because there was a foolishness in the main characters.
"On These Sheets", "A Royal Mess" "New Kid in Town:1977", "Rochester Summer", "Bothered Bewildered", were nice.
I didn't particularly like "Three Things I Pray". Perhaps because of the fantasy aspect of it. But, like "Stuck", and it had a fantasy aspect. Must be in the telling.
"Nude Beach" and "Touch Me In The Morning" were lost on me.
"Symposium" may resonate with me at some time.
December 6, 2015
like all collections, a bit patchy but some good stuff in here particularly the Greg Herren story
December 29, 2016
Nice romantic stories. Good collection.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews