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Interpretive Hearts

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Love is easy once you learn the steps.

In the competitive world of dance, Teddy was a flawless performer and hardass choreographer who students feared and admired in equal measure. But hip surgery ended the glamour and drama, and now Teddy is recovering at his beach house, lost and listless.

Until he meets Finn, his neighbor, who is too perfect, gorgeous, and kind to exist—but very ill timed. In a seaside town as small as theirs, they can’t avoid each other, especially since Finn is also Teddy’s new physical therapist. But Teddy isn’t the man he used to be, and though Finn flirts shamelessly with him, Teddy can’t believe a has-been dancer is worthy of someone so young and full of life.

Finn’s sunny smile is also hiding heartache. Pursuing Teddy challenges both his professionalism and his self-preservation, but if he can convince Teddy to trust him, maybe they both can heal. 

Dreamspun Desires #94

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2019

7 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Amanda Meuwissen

58 books664 followers
Amanda Meuwissen is a queer author with a primary focus on M/M fiction and romance. As the author of LGBTQ+ Fantasy #1 Best Seller, Coming Up for Air, LGBTQ+ Horror #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release, A Delicious Descent, and several other titles through various publishers, Amanda regularly attends local comic conventions for fun and to meet with fans, where she will often be seen in costume as one of her favorite fictional characters. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, John, and their cat, Helga.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Sandra .
1,989 reviews347 followers
December 21, 2019
After hip surgery ended his career as a dancer and renowned choreographer, Teddy has retreated to his beachhouse to lick his proverbial wounds, sad, brooding, with no idea what to do with the rest of his life. He knows he's grumpy and stand-offish but he can't help it after having lost a huge part of his identity.

His next door neighbor is Finn, a somewhat younger man who at first gives the impression of someone happy-go-lucky with his act together. He's a physical therapist, something that Teddy doesn't discover over all the shameless flirting Finn throws his way until he comes face to face with Finn at his first appointment.

This isn't an easy story to read. Underneath the easy smiles, Finn hides a bit of darkness, and it takes a while for the truth to come out, even if the reader can tell early on that not all is as happy as Finn pretends it to be. Teddy has a hard time believing that someone as young and vibrant as Finn could really be interested in a man past his prime, someone with a limp who has to be careful how he moves so he doesn't re-injure his hip.

And then there's a supporting character who almost steals the show and who becomes a catalyst for both Finn and Teddy to reassess and decide to grasp the potential at happiness that they bring to each other's life.

Alternately heart-breaking and empowering, this book drew me in from the start. The author created realistic and believable characters, imperfect and flawed and struggling but still fighting each day to claw their way back into the sun. While not easy, it was nonetheless an enjoyable read.

** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
Profile Image for namericanwordcat.
2,440 reviews440 followers
January 1, 2020
3.5 Stars

A quick enjoyable read with a grumpy hero settling into a new life after an injury and a sunny hero who we get to see has hidden pain.

We also get a dog and cat and nice cast.

Good not great.
Profile Image for Amy Stauffer.
820 reviews39 followers
August 24, 2020
Oh, my heart...smiles for this story! This is way better than any Hallmark movie, and I’ve seen a TON. It was sweet, yet heartbreaking at times. Sometimes I wanted to hug Teddy, sometimes I wanted to hug Finn, and sometimes I just wanted a group hug for my own well being. Finn is right, it’s not a competition to see whose sadness is more valid. They’re all valid.

Teddy was a self-proclaimed @sshole, and I kinda liked it. Grumpy men are my kryptonite. Especially when their grumpiness is only surface level. He tried to pretend that’s all he was, but it wasn’t true. He just needed a dose of Finn in his life.

Finn was extremely sweet, charming, adorable, patient, and funny. He comes across as a perfect ray of sunshine, but Frankie (an adorable side character and patient of Finn’s) said it best: sometimes the people who’re the happiest all the time, have a lot of sadness inside them. Until he met Teddy, he never allowed anyone to see that side of him. These men provided exactly what the other needed, as if they truly were made for each other.

Their love story wasn't easy or smooth sailing. Sometimes they weren’t even on the same page. They each had a journey to make, and hopefully, it led to each other.

Once again, Amanda Meuwissen pulled me into the story with her writing skills. Her ability to tell a story never disappoints. Each character in this book was perfect for this book. They all had depth and added dimension to the storyline. I enjoyed all of them, minus Hartley. (Finn is my hero in that one scene with Hartley)

This book was a bit of a slow burn, but come on! The guy just had hip surgery, and his entire life just changed. It wouldn’t be realistic or believable if it weren’t. I would give the book a heat level of 5/10. Again...HIP SURGERY. I can’t even begrudge it that. It was satisfactory (for the characters as well 😉).

***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Leslie A Smith.
45 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2020
I live for books that make me feel so much!

In this story, we embark on an emotional journey of losing one’s identity, finding friendship, delving into love, and overcoming life-changing obstacles. It tells the story of how two men, both fighting mental demons, find a soul-deep love.

Teddy, once an amazing dancer and renowned choreographer, has retreated to his beach house after having hip surgery. His whole world revolved around dancing, and with one operation, his life changed forever. With such a huge part of his identity ripped away from him Teddy is adrift, not knowing what to make of his life. He becomes a surly, melancholic man, one who knows he’s being crotchety but can’t help being that way. He’s lost himself, his drive, and he doesn’t know what to do about it.

Finn is Teddy’s neighbor and physical therapist. He’s younger than Teddy and seems to be a bright ray of sunshine trying to chase his cloudy day away. But, Finn has soul-wrenching pain that he keeps tucked away behind a facade of happy-go-lucky energy. It’s hard for Teddy to see how a vibrant young guy could want anything to do with a miserable, broken down, man like him. His doubt and excuses make for a hard start to their happily ever after. It’s just good that Finn is determined to have Teddy as his one and only, and that a certain little girl makes them see things differently.

I thought this was a brilliant story of how Teddy and Finn help each other while finding love. There are struggles, of course, but they add to the overall draw of the book. Teddy helps Finn with the emotional pain plaguing his heart behind that happy mask. Meanwhile, Finn helps Teddy find himself and his passion again. And, let’s not forget the helpful prodding of Frankie as Finn and Teddy stumble along life’s path.

I would recommend this book to someone wanting that hurt/comfort trope so many people love. Interpretive Hearts will hit you right in the feels if you’re swept up by the emotions of the characters. That’s something, that I for one, really love about books like this. It will make you think, put you into the minds of people who seem so real, and let you see how love can overcome.
Profile Image for Rhiannon D'Averc.
Author 32 books35 followers
August 24, 2020
I am definitely getting converted into an Amanda Meuwissen fan, after reviewing another of her books last week. I read this one in 48 hours as it was so smooth and easy to read - and I just kept wanting to see how this would develop. 

The main characters are fantastic with a lot of spark between them, and what I found interesting was that everything was told from one perspective. Usually in romances like this you'll have switching chapters, but in this case it was all from Teddy's point of view - and there were some nice tricks to help us get insight from Finn as well. Like Teddy overhearing a private conversation with his sister, all of which really meant it felt well-rounded and nicely deep.

This is a really sweet romance, with some steamy bits along the way. Just a great love story that I really enjoyed.

Loved: The attraction between the two characters and how obvious it was that they fitted each other perfectly. I also loved reading a story with a protagonist suffering a disability, even if a new and partially temporary one. 

Liked: The animals, the setting, and the side characters all fleshed it out really nicely

Disliked: I thought hard, but I couldn't actually come up with anything.


Burning Question: Is there going to be another book? With so many other romances happening around the side, I'd be interested to know whether this standalone could get a sequel.

I received a free ARC copy of this book but my review is my genuine opinion.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,502 reviews56 followers
July 26, 2020
This is my second book by the author and I've got to say I'm turning into a real fan.
This story hit so many aspects of my former life as a former pro athlete. Because of that i could relate to everything they Teddy was feeling while trying to recover from his hip injury. Finn captured my heart from the get go. While reading you could just tell he has a past that is not all sunshine and rainbows.

Together they make a great couple and the side characters help this story become a great summer read.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
August 23, 2020
Teddy was a dancer who career ended when he had hip surgery. He moved to the county seeking solitude, but that runs amok when he gets a new neighbor, Finn. He is attracted to Finn but decides to stay away from him. Finn ends up being Teddy’s new PT and has foster animals. When he needs one, he must request one from Finn. This was a good story with a great storyline!! Loved it. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Jerri.
723 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2020
First off, Finn is trouble! Really good trouble. Teddy doesn’t stand a chance.
Once he realizes that life is not over just because he can’t dance, all sorts of possibilities pop up. He finds his place and his man.

This is a very satisfying story. It’s fun, sexy, and uplifting. It has a message- life isn’t over because circumstances have changed. This book is one of the really good ones!
Profile Image for Zeoanne.
Author 2 books26 followers
September 27, 2020
My first book from this author and I'm not sorry to have read it. It was quite entertaining. I got deep into the characters, their pull and push relationship, the slow burn, and all that came in between for them to realize that they were in love with each other. Well done, well written. I definitely wouldn't mind reading other stories written by Amanda.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,533 reviews140 followers
April 18, 2020
Teddy is recovering at his beach house after hip surgery, there he meets Finn, his next door neighbour.
I liked that their HEA wasn't easy and both men had their own demons.

3.5 stars rounded up
3,189 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2020
Funny how reading a well written book is effortless. Nothing pulling you from the story. That's how I felt about this book. Lovely, fun, not sickening sweet, just real people falling for each other.
Profile Image for Lily.
3,399 reviews121 followers
September 5, 2020
Interpretive Hearts will warm your soul. Teddy is older and a bit of a curmudgeon at times, but Finn is absolutely charming. Teddy has his own charm about him, and you can tell from the start that under his rough exterior he has a heart that's hurting from all he's lost. I can't tell who I fell in love with first, but Finn and Teddy's story absolutely warmed my heart and gave me hope for the possibility of love after loss. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a sweet heart-warming story.
Profile Image for Becca.
3,230 reviews47 followers
November 19, 2019
You know, I know this story was about the MCs, but there’s a side character in this story who just captured my heart as well as the MCs. And it just made this book so much more special, because she helped change things for Teddy and Finn, both.
Teddy is brooding. Badly. Although you have to admit, he’s entitled. After being a dancer on stage for so many years, his hip couldn’t take anymore and he had to have surgery and then had to retire. It doesn’t help that now his new neighbors are having beach parties and spoiling his pity party. But what he doesn’t expect is how hunky his neighbor is. And how much of a coincidence it seems that he keeps running into Finn everywhere. But it’s the curse of a small town. But it’s definitely a small town, when Teddy finds out that Finn is also is physical therapist. But somehow, Finn has captured the ‘old grumps’ heart. Especially when Finn has a particularly bad bad night. He thought he might have lost Finn after that night and seeing the sadness in his eyes. But with some persuading and manipulating by a few people, things seem to get back on track. And inspiration strikes when Teddy meets another of Finn’s patients. A beautiful girl named Frankie, that lost part of one of her legs. Now if they can just keep things going and understand, that life isn’t perfect and they’re all going to make mistakes.
Frankie made this book so special. I love Finn and Teddy, don’t get me wrong. But even with just a small part in this book, there’s just something about Frankie that captured me heart and soul. Maybe it’s because I’m a mom of a kid her age. I don’t know. But all she needed was a little bit of someone lighting that fire in her and Teddy did it for, in spite of feeling sorry for himself. And she gave Teddy what he needed to keep going himself. And Finn too. These three somehow were everything they all needed. Finn needed someone to make him realize he didn’t have to be on all the time and Teddy needed someone to love him, even though he wasn’t at the top of his game anymore. It was a perfect fit for all three. A teen and two stubborn men. Lol.
This is such a sweet book. It has a few tearful moments, but I loved it. I hope you guys do too.


http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Profile Image for Katy Beth Mckee.
4,739 reviews66 followers
February 9, 2020
Teddy's life is forever changed but as he keeps bumping into his neighbor maybe not all change is bad. Finn's presence in his life makes sure things don't go according to plan. Life is getting better and better for both of them. I like how they fit together. Teddy becomes a better person and is able to explore ways to enjoy what he loves within his new limitations.
Profile Image for Kirstin.
2,115 reviews19 followers
November 14, 2019
This started out so sweetly with a grumpy older guy and his hot young neighbor.

It was one of those seemingly small town stories where everyone runs into everyone else all over town, and the shop owners and receptionists all know everyone's business.

The setup was great. The way that Teddy meets Finn. The way that Finn literally swept him off his feet. I loved the sexually charged banter between the two of them. It was all very romantic and light.

Teddy was a dancer, but his hip protested his career choice and he had to have surgery. In response, he moved to the beach, alone, to take it easy. When he meets his neighbor, Finn, he comes up with a million excuses why it would never work. But Finn wants what he wants.

I really enjoyed most of the book. It was towards the end where things were wrapping up that it just began to get slow for me. It seemed like the direction of the story went more into their friends and family than with continuing their story, providing a bit of a letdown for me in the end.

I really enjoyed the characters. They were both very charming and fun, as were the friends and sisters. Overall, I enjoyed the read.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted*
Profile Image for Christy Roberts.
1,534 reviews50 followers
March 30, 2025
4.5 stars. First time read book by Amanda. This was my 50th book of 2025.

Teddy is recovering after hip surgery and feeling down because he can no longer dance or teach it in his mind. He meets his neighbor Finn one day who's younger. Finn keeps flirting with him wanting to do more than be friends doesn't see Teddy as broken as he feels.

Finn also turns out be Teddy's physical therapist. They flirt and it was sweet. Though they both have things that play with their emotions. Finn's parents death and Teddy's dad being no good.

Thankfully after a talking to by Finn's sister he tries again with Teddy after he backs out because Teddy saw him in a bad moment of grieving.

Really enjoyed this and loved the cat and dog Smudge and Nora. They were sweet friends. Loved the side characters as well and how Finn helped Teddy see that his career as a dancer was over but he still had so much to teach others.
Profile Image for Trish Skywalker.
1,103 reviews64 followers
February 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this one, I found it emotional and hopeful and full of promise for the MCs.
Teddy and Finn are next door neighbors in a small beach town. Teddy’s long term dance career has come to an end due to an injury, and Finn is looking to start over. Both man have family trauma and sadness in their lives, but Finn tries to get through with a smile while Teddy is an unapologetic grump. Finn shows Teddy that there can be life and happiness after dance, and Teddy shows Finn that it’s ok to not be ok sometimes. Finn also shows Teddy how to do a few other things after his surgery 😂🔥
These two definitely deserved happiness, and I’m so glad they found it together!
Thank you for the arc Amanda!
Profile Image for Bianca.
1,009 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 6, 2026
Teddy and Finn story was presented entirely from Teddy’s perspective, and it had shenanigans, teasing, meddling friends and family, a second chance at love, and many emotional moments.
They had their hurdles along the way caused mainly by insecurities and past experiences.
Oh I simply adored the pets and their shenanigans, as well as their quirky helpful friends.
I must confess that there were times when I really wanted to be in Finn’s mind and see his perspective.
Profile Image for Debra  (Dragon Nanny) Phiri.
1,626 reviews22 followers
February 6, 2026
Oh man what a great read! I love the reality and emotion this book gives us.

Finn and Teddy are so amazing and good communicators with a couple bumps along the way.

Side characters are all fantastic and just make the story more impactful.

Hands down favorite sides are Smudge and Nora!






I received an advanced reader copy however it didn’t change my honest opinion of the book!

5,704 reviews39 followers
July 20, 2020
this wasnt a bad story.. not my favorite by this author but was enjoyable.. it had pets which is always a plus.. it had a grumpy guy and a happy guy.. both of which have their issues they have to get through.. it was enjoyable.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,456 reviews31 followers
December 2, 2019
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

This is the sweet story of the connection that builds between an injured dancer and his physical therapist. Falling for the therapist is a little bit cliche - but this story works well as a classic Dreamspun desires romance.

When we first meet Teddy, his career ending injury has made him miserable and more than a little bit bitter. Finn is his opposite. He’s a social butterfly full of sunshine and light. Beneath the surface both Finn and Teddy are much more than they first seem. Finn helps Teddy consider a future beyond professional dance and Teddy helps Finn work through the emotional pain he keeps hidden from the world.

This is a pretty simple story. Finn and Teddy are both interesting characters. I like their sisters and I enjoyed the beach scenery. The romance feels a little bit instalove and it never gets terribly deep or complicated. It’s an easy, relaxing read that doesn’t require too much energy or thought.

1,034 reviews20 followers
November 15, 2019
An enjoyable and easy read, well written, with interesting MC’s and a likable cast of secondary characters. I liked the hurt/comfort aspect in the story and the atypical dynamic, with the younger man being the one to help his more mature love interest heal, physically that is.
I wasn’t entirely swept off my feet though. The emotional connection between Teddy and Finn was certainly there, but the push and pull, hot & cold routine on both sides didn’t help matters any in creating that “meant to be” magic that I tend to look for in a romance. I’d also have liked more scenes with them in a relationship and growing closer, whereas now the story mostly focused on their will they/won’t they dance.
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