Book Reviews

Book Blurb

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.

But 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—with some help from furry and human friends alike.

 

 

First edition published at Dreamspinner Press, November 2019. This second edition includes a new cover, and re-formatted interior, but no significant content changes from the original.

 

Book Review

If you are drawn to a sweet, nicely-paced, love story about two men irresistibly growing into a relationship – ‘Interpretive Hearts’ is just for you! Teddy and Finn, blessedly, aren’t kids stumbling into a youthful affair. No, these are two grown-ass men. They’ve been around the block, and life has readied them for the real thing. What’s more, they are so very likeable that I immediately rooted for their HEA.

Ms. Meuwissen’s writing is just the right tone for their relationship. How nice it is when two adults engage in clever repartee. Teddy: “I’d prefer to keep dancing. My body disagrees.” Finn: “Well, it’s a body worth listening to.” Yes, this is how two interesting (and interested) men talk to each other, electricity abuzz “like there was a storm brewing outside.”

‘Interpretive Hearts’ is about a lovely new beginning for two men who are ready, and who really need another chance for love. [“Teddy was an asshole. He knew that. He didn’t try very hard not to be.” And: “Finn was broken and didn’t want to drag Teddy into his mess of shards, even though Teddy was nothing but pieces too.”] ‘Interpretive Hearts’ is a mood piece with enough action and tension to engage my time and attention. Teddy is finally ready to move past all his “only ifs…” and to use those losses to treat with his life’s present questions. Finn, too, is ready to confront his ghosts and move ahead.

I witnessed that beginning, a trip to that HEA which was surely awaiting me at the end. Periodically, Ms. Meuwissen pertly reminded me of the appropriate stations along their way. “Finn, who knew Teddy was interested and was interested right back, pushing only slightly, most of the time accidentally,…” During the journey, I became familiar with the heroes’ idiosyncrasies. I learned how their respective histories made them the characters I got to know. So sweet – their respective physical and emotional pains allow their attraction to develop slowly and beautifully. And the secondary figures and episodes surrounding them are added zest to the voyage.

And, lest you think I had failed to notice, grown-ass men really know what to do in bed.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review. This review was first published on Gay Book Reviews.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 189 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	14-February-2026
Price	$4.99 ebook, $13.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Interpretive-Hearts-Amanda-Meuwissen-ebook/dp/B0GKJDJB8Y