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Interpretive Hearts
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
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
6 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Meuwissen
60 books677 followersAmanda 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 - 30 of 42 reviews
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. **
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. **
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.
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.
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. ***
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. ***
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.
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.
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.
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.
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***
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***
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.
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!
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!
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.
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
I liked that their HEA wasn't easy and both men had their own demons.
3.5 stars rounded up
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.
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.
June 24, 2020
A cute romantic read. The characters were fun to read and the story put a smile on my face.
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/
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/
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.
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*
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*
March 4, 2026
Interpretive Hearts by Amanda Meuwissen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
⬆️ Ebook ARC
👉 Single Third-Person POV
🎨 Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
👉 Standalone
🏳️🌈 Adult MM Contemporary Romance
📍🌊 Small Beach Town ☀️
👉 Low Angst
🏖 Beach House Vibes
🌅 Cozy, but also Emotional & Heartfelt
❤️🩹 Hurt/Comfort + New Beginnings
❤️🩹 Healing & Personal Growth
🩹 Injury & Recovery
🐶🐱 Adorable Companions 🐾
🍩🧁 Sweet Tooth Energy 🤤
😏 Volleyball Meet-Cute 🏐🌊
😏 Hot and Sassy Next-Door Neighbor
🩰 Former Dancer x 🩺 Physical Therapist
🎭 Choreographer x Animal Foster Dad
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever Energy 🐶
😠 Grumpy x Sunshine 😁
🤨 Broody x 😏 Shameless Flirty
🥰 Mutual Pining
🧲 Attraction At First Sight
🫠 Touch Starved MCs
🧲 Close Proximity
💞 Opposites Attract
😏 Age-gap
🥼Doc’s Orders: Take It Slow… (Easier Said Than Done w/ That Hot Neighbor Next Door 😏)
💆 Personal Massage Therapist (With Benefits 😏)
🔥 Slow-Burn (MC recovering from hip surgery)
📈 Spice Level (Intensity, not frequency):
🌶🌶🌶🌶
🌈 MCs:
🩰🐱😠👉 Edmund "Teddy" Scofield (forty something), He/Him:
-Dark eyes, black hair with some gray, with a lean and elegant figure.
-Former flawless performer & hard-ass choreographer for over twenty years.
-Recently moved to his beach house for a fresh start, trying to recover and find himself again.
-Struggles with losing his career and his sense of identity after hip surgery.
-Self-proclaimed asshole… but his grumpiness is just armor. Underneath, he’s soft, vulnerable and even quite witty.
-Close to his mother and sister with a small tight-knit group of friends.
-Hates sand, water, sun, and typical beach activities.
(🤣 Good Luck With That)
-Loves reading, traveling and good food and drinks.
-Enjoys quiet sunsets on his terrace with a book and a cup of hibiscus tea.
-Has a very tempting neighbor… a younger, gorgeous physical therapist. What a small world.
🩺🐶☀️😊👉 Phineas "Finn" Archer (28), He/Him:
-Teal eyes, auburn hair, tall with a long, lean, swimmer’s build.
-Physical therapist, deeply dedicated to his patients.
-Volunteers at an animal shelter and is part of a foster program.
-Recently went through a breakup that left him with some emotional baggage and low confidence when it comes to relationships.
-Moved to his beach house a few months ago for a fresh start.
-Sweet, charming, patient and funny.
-A shameless flirt with a dazzling smile and adorable dimples.
-A true ray of sunshine… but hiding a quiet sadness from the loss of his parents, a grief he’s still learning to live with.
-Adores his little white furball, Nora.
-Has a heart of gold, always caring for others.
-Loves animals, cooking and having his friends over.
⚠️ Content Warnings:
🏳️🌈 Found Family
👉 Disability Rep
👏 Solid Character Development
🫠 Lovely Side Characters
🥰 Love The Ending
😍 HEA
💭 My Thoughts:
🏖 📖 Such a beautiful story… soft, sweet and a little heartbreaking. I adored every moment. I felt really connected to Teddy and Finn.
Both of them carry heavy emotional baggage from their pasts.
From the beginning, I just wanted them to find their happiness. Watching them slowly open up and let each other in felt so special. 🥹
🧲 Their chemistry is obvious from the start. They complement each other perfectly. Teddy needs Finn’s light and Finn needs someone who truly sees him beyond the smile. It’s beautiful to watch them heal and grow together. The way they support each other through their struggles is deeply moving.
🔥There are only a few spicy moments, but they’re chef’s kiss 🤌... intense, beautiful. They fit together so well even with Teddy’s limitations.
🌊 The beach setting, the animals and the side characters make everything feel warm, fun and complete. I loved their circle of friends and family, a little meddling 🤭, but so supportive and full of love.
📚🍹 I loved this story and will definitely reread it in the summer. It has such sunny beach vibes. 🏖
▪︎FAV QUOTES▪︎
😉 Thanks for reading hope this helps you out!
I received this book as a gift from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
StoryGraph Review
BookBub Review
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
⬆️ Ebook ARC
👉 Single Third-Person POV
🎨 Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
👉 Standalone
🏳️🌈 Adult MM Contemporary Romance
📍🌊 Small Beach Town ☀️
👉 Low Angst
🏖 Beach House Vibes
🌅 Cozy, but also Emotional & Heartfelt
❤️🩹 Hurt/Comfort + New Beginnings
❤️🩹 Healing & Personal Growth
🩹 Injury & Recovery
🐶🐱 Adorable Companions 🐾
🍩🧁 Sweet Tooth Energy 🤤
😏 Volleyball Meet-Cute 🏐🌊
😏 Hot and Sassy Next-Door Neighbor
🩰 Former Dancer x 🩺 Physical Therapist
🎭 Choreographer x Animal Foster Dad
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever Energy 🐶
😠 Grumpy x Sunshine 😁
🤨 Broody x 😏 Shameless Flirty
🥰 Mutual Pining
🧲 Attraction At First Sight
🫠 Touch Starved MCs
🧲 Close Proximity
💞 Opposites Attract
😏 Age-gap
🥼Doc’s Orders: Take It Slow… (Easier Said Than Done w/ That Hot Neighbor Next Door 😏)
💆 Personal Massage Therapist (With Benefits 😏)
🔥 Slow-Burn (MC recovering from hip surgery)
📈 Spice Level (Intensity, not frequency):
🌶🌶🌶🌶
🌈 MCs:
🩰🐱😠👉 Edmund "Teddy" Scofield (forty something), He/Him:
-Dark eyes, black hair with some gray, with a lean and elegant figure.
-Former flawless performer & hard-ass choreographer for over twenty years.
-Recently moved to his beach house for a fresh start, trying to recover and find himself again.
-Struggles with losing his career and his sense of identity after hip surgery.
-Self-proclaimed asshole… but his grumpiness is just armor. Underneath, he’s soft, vulnerable and even quite witty.
-Close to his mother and sister with a small tight-knit group of friends.
-Hates sand, water, sun, and typical beach activities.
(🤣 Good Luck With That)
-Loves reading, traveling and good food and drinks.
-Enjoys quiet sunsets on his terrace with a book and a cup of hibiscus tea.
-Has a very tempting neighbor… a younger, gorgeous physical therapist. What a small world.
🩺🐶☀️😊👉 Phineas "Finn" Archer (28), He/Him:
-Teal eyes, auburn hair, tall with a long, lean, swimmer’s build.
-Physical therapist, deeply dedicated to his patients.
-Volunteers at an animal shelter and is part of a foster program.
-Recently went through a breakup that left him with some emotional baggage and low confidence when it comes to relationships.
-Moved to his beach house a few months ago for a fresh start.
-Sweet, charming, patient and funny.
-A shameless flirt with a dazzling smile and adorable dimples.
-A true ray of sunshine… but hiding a quiet sadness from the loss of his parents, a grief he’s still learning to live with.
-Adores his little white furball, Nora.
-Has a heart of gold, always caring for others.
-Loves animals, cooking and having his friends over.
⚠️ Content Warnings:
🏳️🌈 Found Family
👉 Disability Rep
👏 Solid Character Development
🫠 Lovely Side Characters
🥰 Love The Ending
😍 HEA
💭 My Thoughts:
🏖 📖 Such a beautiful story… soft, sweet and a little heartbreaking. I adored every moment. I felt really connected to Teddy and Finn.
Both of them carry heavy emotional baggage from their pasts.
From the beginning, I just wanted them to find their happiness. Watching them slowly open up and let each other in felt so special. 🥹
🧲 Their chemistry is obvious from the start. They complement each other perfectly. Teddy needs Finn’s light and Finn needs someone who truly sees him beyond the smile. It’s beautiful to watch them heal and grow together. The way they support each other through their struggles is deeply moving.
🔥There are only a few spicy moments, but they’re chef’s kiss 🤌... intense, beautiful. They fit together so well even with Teddy’s limitations.
🌊 The beach setting, the animals and the side characters make everything feel warm, fun and complete. I loved their circle of friends and family, a little meddling 🤭, but so supportive and full of love.
📚🍹 I loved this story and will definitely reread it in the summer. It has such sunny beach vibes. 🏖
▪︎FAV QUOTES▪︎
■ "Obstacles weren’t excuses, they were something to overcome." (Teddy 💭)
■ '“I am truly grateful you decided to seduce me,” Teddy said.
“Me too.” Finn chuckled. “And that when I decided to be stupid… you followed anyway and seduced me right back.”
“Well, even stupid, you are nearly impossible to resist.”' (Teddy) 😄
■ "Intimacy had never been Teddy’s strong suit, and yet…. “Doesn’t feel too soon, just feels like what it is. You make this all… not easy,” Teddy said, looking down at his hip, “but possible. And I didn’t think anyone could do that.”
Finn breathed in sharply, but he was smiling when Teddy looked up. “I think that’s the sweetest thing any patient has ever said to me. Especially while I’m in bed with them.”
Teddy laughed and Finn laughed with him, and in the end, they sought each other’s mouths again to kiss soft and slow." 🥰🤣🤌
😉 Thanks for reading hope this helps you out!
I received this book as a gift from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
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February 15, 2026
I love Amanda's paranormal romances; no one writes eldritch monsters quite like she does! BUT her contemporary romances are so good too and this one might be a new favorite of mine among all her stories. One of Amanda's greatest strengths as a writer is her character development. The character development was so well done here. Teddy is the grumpy black cat to a T and Finn is such a sweet golden retriever. That Teddy had a cat just like him and Finn had a dog with his same personality was adorable.
Teddy's healing journey and figuring out what comes next for him was so relatable. They both showed growth. The side characters were all equally lovable. I seriously want to move to whatever seaside town they all live in. There really wasn't anything about these characters that I didn't love aside from saying goodbye when the book ended. I wasn't ready to let go!
One thing about Amanda's books that I have always found interesting too is that there aren't big professions of love in every story. By the time the book's main narrative ends, the MCs haven't been together all that long, so when they talk about their feelings, it's a more realistic, "I'm falling and want to seriously pursue this" than "I love you so much already." As a reader, I can see the love is there, but they are taking their time and getting to know one another and the development of the relationship feels more natural. While I get that slow burns can sometimes be frustrating in that regard, to me, that makes the HEA more believable. They talk about their commitment to each other and how they'll handle it when they inevitably hit bumps along the way. I love that because, in my opinion, it shows commitment that goes beyond professions of love.
Teddy's healing journey and figuring out what comes next for him was so relatable. They both showed growth. The side characters were all equally lovable. I seriously want to move to whatever seaside town they all live in. There really wasn't anything about these characters that I didn't love aside from saying goodbye when the book ended. I wasn't ready to let go!
One thing about Amanda's books that I have always found interesting too is that there aren't big professions of love in every story. By the time the book's main narrative ends, the MCs haven't been together all that long, so when they talk about their feelings, it's a more realistic, "I'm falling and want to seriously pursue this" than "I love you so much already." As a reader, I can see the love is there, but they are taking their time and getting to know one another and the development of the relationship feels more natural. While I get that slow burns can sometimes be frustrating in that regard, to me, that makes the HEA more believable. They talk about their commitment to each other and how they'll handle it when they inevitably hit bumps along the way. I love that because, in my opinion, it shows commitment that goes beyond professions of love.
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.
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.
March 1, 2026
Interpretive Hearts by Amanda Meuwissen is a rerelease of a previous book with a new gorgeous cover. Teddy is recovering from hip surgery that has permanently put him in retirement from his dance and choreographer career. He moves to the beach where his new neighbor, Finn, make quite an impression. I loved both of these men and thought that the comparison of Teddy to a cat was hilarious. He was just like a black cat and Finn like a golden retriever. They played off of each other very well. I would have liked to have seen a little more romance in this one as there was a lot of plot to get through. I also thought that Finn’s issues were pushed to the side a little bit. An epilogue set several years in the future would have been nice to see where they ended up. I devoured this one though because I did enjoy the main characters so much.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
March 6, 2026
Teddy and ballet are the heart of this story. Teddy feels broken now that surgery has left him unable to dance or to choreograph the dances he loved. In order to escape his dashed dreams, he moves to his beach house for retirement and healing. He doesn’t expect to find love in the arms of his neighbor. He doesn’t expect his healing to lead to his new passion.
Author Amanda Meuwissen writes a story with vulnerability, pain, and what comes next. She introduces hope in characters like Frankie. She gives us kindness and patience in Finn. We even get feline understanding from Smudge. It takes Teddy a bit of time to unlock his heart, but when Finn builds walls Teddy has to be patient as well. This story is all about not giving in and believing good can still come regardless of your circumstances. This book will have to stay on my shelf for future reminders to not let my mind sink into a negative space. I feel like sometimes the right stories find us at the times we need them most.
Author Amanda Meuwissen writes a story with vulnerability, pain, and what comes next. She introduces hope in characters like Frankie. She gives us kindness and patience in Finn. We even get feline understanding from Smudge. It takes Teddy a bit of time to unlock his heart, but when Finn builds walls Teddy has to be patient as well. This story is all about not giving in and believing good can still come regardless of your circumstances. This book will have to stay on my shelf for future reminders to not let my mind sink into a negative space. I feel like sometimes the right stories find us at the times we need them most.
February 11, 2026
Interpretive Hearts is the story of Teddy and Finn. The blurb gives you a great idea of what to expect in the story but not the emotions that go into it. The emotions in this story were so heartfelt that I was hooked. I loved the characters and watching them overcome all their problems. These two are definitely perfect for each other. I loved how even the side characters felt real. The book kept me wanting to read until I finished it. I'm looking forward to reading whatever Amanda Meuwissen writes next. I would definitely recommend this book.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
February 13, 2026
I read this a while back and I am glad it popped up fresh and cleaned up so that I re read. I felt so hard for Teddy, he really did lose all his hopes and dreams. He no inspiration left. He was so unhappy and it outright showed. For Finn, his pain was hidden and bottled up. He came across happy and tried to do the same for others. This was such a hopeful story against a beautiful backdrop. Oh, and there were a dog and a cat which is always a plus in my book!
March 3, 2026
Teddy & Finn
"It wasn't the dancing he missed, not only that, but this feeling, something he had a sneaky suspicion that Finn had realized all along."
This story was a sweet, slow burn and a rare (to me) contemporary story from Amanda Meuwissen. I loved the growing found family elements that develop as Teddy & Finn get closer. Living in a smaller town will always provide a bit of extra found family, but the fact that so many of the lovely people Teddy meets are already friends or family with Finn, it just helps sweeten those connections even more.
As with any story I read from Amanda, the visuals she creates in the book are incredible. I felt like I was right there with the characters, especially when Teddy went to see his sister's performance because Teddy's emotions fed into the dance visuals and gave me that big picture but also with finite details. I'm never bored in a scene that's so well described.
I love quirky side characters in these kinds of stories too. And while there were plenty of quirky human characters, I loved the pets we get to interact with. Each little moment is silly and fun, and can bring a smile into the room, even if a previous moment was tense or emotional.
I knew the interactions Teddy had with Frankie would be inspirational for more than one reason, and I'm glad that we get to see those fun interactions rebuild Teddy's confidence and bring out his leadership & teaching again.
Interpretive Hearts was an incredible slow burn romance that contains a lot of emotional growth for both characters, and gives us a sweet story that can be read again and again.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
"It wasn't the dancing he missed, not only that, but this feeling, something he had a sneaky suspicion that Finn had realized all along."
This story was a sweet, slow burn and a rare (to me) contemporary story from Amanda Meuwissen. I loved the growing found family elements that develop as Teddy & Finn get closer. Living in a smaller town will always provide a bit of extra found family, but the fact that so many of the lovely people Teddy meets are already friends or family with Finn, it just helps sweeten those connections even more.
As with any story I read from Amanda, the visuals she creates in the book are incredible. I felt like I was right there with the characters, especially when Teddy went to see his sister's performance because Teddy's emotions fed into the dance visuals and gave me that big picture but also with finite details. I'm never bored in a scene that's so well described.
I love quirky side characters in these kinds of stories too. And while there were plenty of quirky human characters, I loved the pets we get to interact with. Each little moment is silly and fun, and can bring a smile into the room, even if a previous moment was tense or emotional.
I knew the interactions Teddy had with Frankie would be inspirational for more than one reason, and I'm glad that we get to see those fun interactions rebuild Teddy's confidence and bring out his leadership & teaching again.
Interpretive Hearts was an incredible slow burn romance that contains a lot of emotional growth for both characters, and gives us a sweet story that can be read again and again.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
February 28, 2026
Teddy moved to a seaside town after hip issues ended his dancing career, not knowing yet how to go on with life. Finn, his next-door neighbour, pops up everywhere and is full of sunshine on the surface but hiding his own emotional struggles. This is a very solid story about how they slowly evolve into being more for each other, with quite a few ups and downs. The other characters were excellent as well.
March 8, 2026
This is a sweet, sensitive book about two guys covering up pain with big, bold exteriors. Teddy, a forced to retire choreographer after hip surgery, covers his physical pain with a solitary, grumpy exterior. Finn, his physical therapist and neighbor, covers his emotional pain from loss with his sunshiny, upbeat attitude. Their relationship progresses when they can share their pain, accept it and learn to move forward with each other. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.
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!
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!
March 10, 2026
I absolutely loved this book - Teddy is trying to adjust to a new reality and it isn’t going very well. He meets Finn, who is going through some stuff of his own, and the sparks fly. This brought to light the adjustments that we have to make as we get older but how we can still find joy. Beautifully written, funny and sweet!
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.
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