What do you think?
Rate this book
Color-Blind Love #3
Lessons Learned in Love
The boss’s daughter is off-limits. Especially when she steals the job that should have been his.
Vanya has never measured up to her parents’ demanding standards. After a crushing humiliation at her last job, she jumps at the chance to prove herself when her father entrusts her with a leadership role in his company.
Tendo has had nothing handed to him on a silver platter. The son of a refugee, he’s had to claw his way up every rung of the career ladder. Then the CEO’s daughter swoops in to take the job that should have been his. Tendo wants to resent the pampered princess, making his growing attraction unexpected—and entirely unwelcome.
Vanya feels grossly unqualified to manage the brilliant and ambitious Tendo, especially when she realizes that she’s beginning to admire him for a lot more than his professional qualities. And although he knows he’s falling hard and fast, Tendo is proud of being a self-made man. A relationship with the boss’s daughter is exactly the sort of special treatment he despises.
But as Vanya’s and Tendo’s worlds collide, they discover the power of honesty, grace, and trust—and the possibilities of a future built together.
Dive into this Christian inspirational romance today.
Vanya has never measured up to her parents’ demanding standards. After a crushing humiliation at her last job, she jumps at the chance to prove herself when her father entrusts her with a leadership role in his company.
Tendo has had nothing handed to him on a silver platter. The son of a refugee, he’s had to claw his way up every rung of the career ladder. Then the CEO’s daughter swoops in to take the job that should have been his. Tendo wants to resent the pampered princess, making his growing attraction unexpected—and entirely unwelcome.
Vanya feels grossly unqualified to manage the brilliant and ambitious Tendo, especially when she realizes that she’s beginning to admire him for a lot more than his professional qualities. And although he knows he’s falling hard and fast, Tendo is proud of being a self-made man. A relationship with the boss’s daughter is exactly the sort of special treatment he despises.
But as Vanya’s and Tendo’s worlds collide, they discover the power of honesty, grace, and trust—and the possibilities of a future built together.
Dive into this Christian inspirational romance today.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2020
4 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 15, 2020
Vanya is an insecure woman who's only ever worked for her family's company. Her small sense of security gets shattered when she overhears her mentor, the woman she's been looking up to for ten years, say what she really thinks about her (and those weren't nice things).
Shaken, Vanya is supposed to give a speech at a gala right after but fails dramatically and withdraws from work for a few weeks. Her father offers her to lead a new department and she accepts, willing to try and put her failure behind her.
There she meets Tendo, who's definitely more qualified to lead the department than her, he's even the one who pitched the idea for it. Vanya's insecurities skyrocket again and it takes a long time of them working together for her to feel like maybe she isn't so bad at this.
There's even a slimeball Derek (you've been warned), who Vanya initially hires because he's a family friend and then regrets the decision soon after. Derek takes all matters up with Vanya's father, the CEO, to get what he wants and Vanya's powerless to stop him.
Will Vanya and Tendo (who are slowly falling for each other) manage to make the company unique, customer-drawing and better than ever before? Will they get rid of Derek? Will they have their happy ever after?
First off, Vanya's name caught my attention when I was checking out the book. I assumed (wrongly) she'd be Slavic since I am, and I know several Vanyas (spelled like Vanja) of both genders. Then she turns out to be of Norwegian decent and the rest of her family all have more Scandinavian names. It distracted me a bit but not too much.
But the best part about Vanya is that she doesn't drink. Seriously, I love that. I'm so tired of heroines who drink (even if it's "just wine"). As someone who hates drinking with a burning passion (it took my dad away from me when I was thirteen) I like to be accurately represented. And Vanya's firm "NOs" give me joy.
There's one character who does try to get her to drink by ordering alcohol instead of fruit juice without telling her and I saw it coming but I was so mad when it happened anyway. People like that actually exist in the real world, that's the scary part.
Tendo comes off as overly confident in the beginning and Vanya's opposite even though she does deserve to be where she is. He changes and becomes softer as the book goes on. Still confident but not all guarded. He cares about his mother a lot, you can tell.
Derek I will not comment on, except that I hated him. He never changes.
This book was more work related than I expected. Usually the work would be in the background and the romance would be up front but it turned out to be the other way around. There was very little romance, actually, some scenes here and there, but I didn't mind.
Both main characters "became" Christian for their own reasons which I found interesting. Often in Christian romances they just *are* Christian/have always been Christian.
The writing style was very enjoyable. The plot was sweet too. I liked this book.
*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Shaken, Vanya is supposed to give a speech at a gala right after but fails dramatically and withdraws from work for a few weeks. Her father offers her to lead a new department and she accepts, willing to try and put her failure behind her.
There she meets Tendo, who's definitely more qualified to lead the department than her, he's even the one who pitched the idea for it. Vanya's insecurities skyrocket again and it takes a long time of them working together for her to feel like maybe she isn't so bad at this.
There's even a slimeball Derek (you've been warned), who Vanya initially hires because he's a family friend and then regrets the decision soon after. Derek takes all matters up with Vanya's father, the CEO, to get what he wants and Vanya's powerless to stop him.
Will Vanya and Tendo (who are slowly falling for each other) manage to make the company unique, customer-drawing and better than ever before? Will they get rid of Derek? Will they have their happy ever after?
First off, Vanya's name caught my attention when I was checking out the book. I assumed (wrongly) she'd be Slavic since I am, and I know several Vanyas (spelled like Vanja) of both genders. Then she turns out to be of Norwegian decent and the rest of her family all have more Scandinavian names. It distracted me a bit but not too much.
But the best part about Vanya is that she doesn't drink. Seriously, I love that. I'm so tired of heroines who drink (even if it's "just wine"). As someone who hates drinking with a burning passion (it took my dad away from me when I was thirteen) I like to be accurately represented. And Vanya's firm "NOs" give me joy.
There's one character who does try to get her to drink by ordering alcohol instead of fruit juice without telling her and I saw it coming but I was so mad when it happened anyway. People like that actually exist in the real world, that's the scary part.
Tendo comes off as overly confident in the beginning and Vanya's opposite even though she does deserve to be where she is. He changes and becomes softer as the book goes on. Still confident but not all guarded. He cares about his mother a lot, you can tell.
Derek I will not comment on, except that I hated him. He never changes.
This book was more work related than I expected. Usually the work would be in the background and the romance would be up front but it turned out to be the other way around. There was very little romance, actually, some scenes here and there, but I didn't mind.
Both main characters "became" Christian for their own reasons which I found interesting. Often in Christian romances they just *are* Christian/have always been Christian.
The writing style was very enjoyable. The plot was sweet too. I liked this book.
*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
November 22, 2020
A young woman who works for her father and he gives her a new job as the head of a new department in a company she has not worked at before. She takes the job because she feels she can handle it. Only to find out the person underneath her WROTE the job description. Oops . . . now what? Can they work together? Can they have an amiable relationship? She loves her job - and the staff. Can God work through them - as they become friends? Totally a great book with lots of twists and turns.
November 9, 2020
Vanya and Tendo came from different socio-economic backgrounds. She was given a position in her father's company that Tendo worked hard to get. Imagine having to work with the person who has taken your job and then begin to become attracted to them.
Their journey wasn't smooth, but they were dedicated.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Their journey wasn't smooth, but they were dedicated.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2020
I enjoyed this short sweet story. It is as it says a clean and wholesome international romance, which is my favorite kind of book. The main characters were likeable. They had some issues but they weren't so dramatic as to be tedious. It is well written. I recommend this book and would be happy to read other books by this author.
November 13, 2020
A fast paced read, you will not put down when you start. Just like the tittle, Tendo and Vanya had lots of lessons to learn in love. Trust and self sacrifice were a huge factor to their journey. They had a few obstacles and mountains to climb before getting their HEA.
June 22, 2023
This is a story about purging the false narratives spoken over you, both by others and yourself.
Vanya...
Mediocre, insipid, average, unoriginal, less qualified, unworthy, unlovable, undesirable, insecure, unproductive, easily replaceable. Given opportunities that we unearned and undeserved, feeling like a fraud and imposter.
Less... less than, wanting, not up to par.
Tendo...
Fighting against the barriers placed in the way. Working harder to level the field with those who had more privileges. Fighting against injustices and those who turn a blind eye or continue to perpetuate them. Remaining unflappable while enduring humiliation. Being undermined and micromanaged. Being passed over and disrespected.
More... always have to give more, work more, try harder.
But, when they encounter each other, their perspectives start to change. They both feel dismissed by others, but they can’t dismiss each other. They are both physically attracted to the other, but what forms their bond is seeing the true heart of the person hidden behind all those false narratives. Vanya and Tendo are both hard workers who passionately I was a bit unsure how the author was going to handle the grieving of loved ones in a romantic comedy genre, but this was handled beautifully, weaving together the threads of grief, loss, hope, guilt, love, and humor into a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I love how differently each of the characters handled their own loss, grieving in unique ways, and how that dynamic affected the others.
The humor was often laugh out loud funny… okay, I even snorted a few times! Meg and Tyler ended up in some funny situations, but it was their dialogue and banter that made the story so fun and hilarious.
The only part I didn’t like was the ending, it wasn’t bad by any means, but seemed a bit rushed compared to the flow of the rest of the book.
This will be a book I go back to reread multiple times! And, I will be purchasing other books by Kortney Keisel. pursue their goals, and as they learn to trust and rely on each other, their synergy in the business world transforms into friendship and love which when tested holds true.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am excited to read more. The characters are so well-developed and realistic, not to mention mixed with great dialogue and an interesting plot, that I couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing it within a couple hours of starting.
Vanya...
Mediocre, insipid, average, unoriginal, less qualified, unworthy, unlovable, undesirable, insecure, unproductive, easily replaceable. Given opportunities that we unearned and undeserved, feeling like a fraud and imposter.
Less... less than, wanting, not up to par.
Tendo...
Fighting against the barriers placed in the way. Working harder to level the field with those who had more privileges. Fighting against injustices and those who turn a blind eye or continue to perpetuate them. Remaining unflappable while enduring humiliation. Being undermined and micromanaged. Being passed over and disrespected.
More... always have to give more, work more, try harder.
But, when they encounter each other, their perspectives start to change. They both feel dismissed by others, but they can’t dismiss each other. They are both physically attracted to the other, but what forms their bond is seeing the true heart of the person hidden behind all those false narratives. Vanya and Tendo are both hard workers who passionately I was a bit unsure how the author was going to handle the grieving of loved ones in a romantic comedy genre, but this was handled beautifully, weaving together the threads of grief, loss, hope, guilt, love, and humor into a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I love how differently each of the characters handled their own loss, grieving in unique ways, and how that dynamic affected the others.
The humor was often laugh out loud funny… okay, I even snorted a few times! Meg and Tyler ended up in some funny situations, but it was their dialogue and banter that made the story so fun and hilarious.
The only part I didn’t like was the ending, it wasn’t bad by any means, but seemed a bit rushed compared to the flow of the rest of the book.
This will be a book I go back to reread multiple times! And, I will be purchasing other books by Kortney Keisel. pursue their goals, and as they learn to trust and rely on each other, their synergy in the business world transforms into friendship and love which when tested holds true.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am excited to read more. The characters are so well-developed and realistic, not to mention mixed with great dialogue and an interesting plot, that I couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing it within a couple hours of starting.
December 18, 2020
This is a new author to me and I liked how she developed this sweet Christian interracial romance.
Vanya had been born with a silver spoon in her mouth but she never took that for granted. She worked hard and wanted to earn what she was given. When she was publicly humiliated at a gala event, she left her brother's company and wanted to strike out on her own. But, her father had a wonderful proposition to head a new content branding department at his company. She jumped at the chance. It wasn't until she had completely fallen in love with the job and the team, that she discovered that the job should really have been her teammate, Tendo. By that time, she had already developed feelings for him.
I won't give away anymore of the story but there is a happy ending and I loved how the story played out. I look forward to learning about Eden's story.
I was given an arc copy of this book by Hidden Gems and I willingly offer my honest opinion.
Vanya had been born with a silver spoon in her mouth but she never took that for granted. She worked hard and wanted to earn what she was given. When she was publicly humiliated at a gala event, she left her brother's company and wanted to strike out on her own. But, her father had a wonderful proposition to head a new content branding department at his company. She jumped at the chance. It wasn't until she had completely fallen in love with the job and the team, that she discovered that the job should really have been her teammate, Tendo. By that time, she had already developed feelings for him.
I won't give away anymore of the story but there is a happy ending and I loved how the story played out. I look forward to learning about Eden's story.
I was given an arc copy of this book by Hidden Gems and I willingly offer my honest opinion.
November 7, 2020
I love how Tendo and Vanya are not bound by the constraints of their diversity of background and ethnicity. Each of them have worked toward success despite their challenges.
Vanya comes from a life of privilege and was given her job because her father owns the company. She questions her abilities, but is determined to prove herself.
Tendo comes from a life of struggle in a mixed race home and has worked his way up the ladder by sheer grit. After losing a position that should have been his to the boss’s daughter he isn’t sure his growing attraction is a good thing.
A relationship seems like a bad idea, but I love how they come together as friends first and then can’t resist the chemistry between them.
This is a different type of love story and I’m all in.
Vanya comes from a life of privilege and was given her job because her father owns the company. She questions her abilities, but is determined to prove herself.
Tendo comes from a life of struggle in a mixed race home and has worked his way up the ladder by sheer grit. After losing a position that should have been his to the boss’s daughter he isn’t sure his growing attraction is a good thing.
A relationship seems like a bad idea, but I love how they come together as friends first and then can’t resist the chemistry between them.
This is a different type of love story and I’m all in.
October 25, 2020
This book took a bit to build up, but it was worth it. It made the characters and storyline feel real. The characters are interesting and draw you in.
The main love story explores interesting dynamics that come with challenging moral and ethical considerations. I particularly appreciate the way the main male character is written
I won’t spoil the book, but there is a scene that takes place at the ocean that is so moving and was mu favorite moment in the book.
The main love story explores interesting dynamics that come with challenging moral and ethical considerations. I particularly appreciate the way the main male character is written
I won’t spoil the book, but there is a scene that takes place at the ocean that is so moving and was mu favorite moment in the book.
October 29, 2020
Vanya's family was well-off. She worked for her brother's company. When something happened, she went to work at her father's company. He put her in charge of a new department. This department was created because o the hard work of a young man, Tendo. He was raised by a poor single mother. He vowed that one day he would make enough money to move her out of low income housing. Vanya and Tendo had to work together. This is a very well written book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 2, 2020
Tendo and Vanya come from very different worlds. She was born with a silver spoon and then some, whereas Tendo was brought up on a rough housing estate by his mum in crushing poverty.
Tendo has worked hard to get where he is, putting his personal life on hold to secure a future for himself and his mum. He doesn’t appreciate his boss’s daughter breezing in and stealing what should have been his big chance.
Vanya is crushed to hear what her friend and mentor really thinks of her, reinforcing what she already believes to be true. Keen to prove herself, she quickly accepts a position in her father’s company heading up a new department.
Will Tendo be able put aside his resentment and prejudice about the entitled princess who’s stolen his job?
Will Vanya be able to put aside her own fears and insecurities and rise to the challenge?
This is the first book I’ve read by Milla Holt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but this story reminds us all that sometimes we need to look beyond our own preconceived ideas and prejudices and seek out what’s buried beneath the surface.
Tendo has worked hard to get where he is, putting his personal life on hold to secure a future for himself and his mum. He doesn’t appreciate his boss’s daughter breezing in and stealing what should have been his big chance.
Vanya is crushed to hear what her friend and mentor really thinks of her, reinforcing what she already believes to be true. Keen to prove herself, she quickly accepts a position in her father’s company heading up a new department.
Will Tendo be able put aside his resentment and prejudice about the entitled princess who’s stolen his job?
Will Vanya be able to put aside her own fears and insecurities and rise to the challenge?
This is the first book I’ve read by Milla Holt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but this story reminds us all that sometimes we need to look beyond our own preconceived ideas and prejudices and seek out what’s buried beneath the surface.
November 8, 2020
This is the 2nd book I've read written by Milla Holt; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2025
Inspirational messages
I'm happy that I saved this book for last, mistakenly thought I had purchased. This book I enjoyed most of the series. I almost did not want it to end. I anticipate reading the free e-book in this series. A few lessons from the story that was very enlightening. Read the series and thank me later! 😉
I'm happy that I saved this book for last, mistakenly thought I had purchased. This book I enjoyed most of the series. I almost did not want it to end. I anticipate reading the free e-book in this series. A few lessons from the story that was very enlightening. Read the series and thank me later! 😉
November 16, 2020
A great book that I really enjoyed reading! Tendo and Vanya are such likeable characters, that it makes you want to cheer them on. This is a story of love triumphing over social status. This is a clean book that I believe you will enjoy, and I would recommend it.
July 17, 2021
Lovely book! Thoroughly enjoyed this smooth and easy read. Tendo definitely has a way with words. I loved how the characters slowly found their way to each other. 😍😍😍
This was another great read by Milla Holt!
This was another great read by Milla Holt!
October 30, 2020
This is a well written book that just the right amount of drama and suspense to keep you turning the pages. Vanya and Tendo's story was full of emotions and was a joy to read.
November 12, 2020
I received a free review copy in exchange for my honest review. I wish I could give half stars because this is very much a 3.5 stars for me. It was pretty well-written and it was a fast read. I liked the characters, especially Tendo. But I did feel like sometimes I was being told about the characters more than I was seeing what drove them, especially with Vanya. For that reason, I felt like I never fully got into the characters or got emotionally invested in their romance. I enjoyed the book, but it didn't captivate me or take me on an emotional rollercoaster.
Also, a quick note for readers of inspirational romance: I don't often read inspirational romance, so I'm not 100% sure, but I thought that in that genre the religious journey of the characters was meant to be as important as the romance. This has references to the main characters being Christian, but it doesn't really have a religious journey for either character. For example, had Vanya come to understand how her imposter syndrome was a rejection of how wonderful God had made her, I would consider that a religious journey. Instead, it read more like a sweet romance whose characters were Christian. It didn't bother me not to have this element, but in case that's important to others, you won't find it here.
Also, a quick note for readers of inspirational romance: I don't often read inspirational romance, so I'm not 100% sure, but I thought that in that genre the religious journey of the characters was meant to be as important as the romance. This has references to the main characters being Christian, but it doesn't really have a religious journey for either character. For example, had Vanya come to understand how her imposter syndrome was a rejection of how wonderful God had made her, I would consider that a religious journey. Instead, it read more like a sweet romance whose characters were Christian. It didn't bother me not to have this element, but in case that's important to others, you won't find it here.
November 15, 2020
I was happy when I received a review copy of Lessons Learned in Love, because I'd been wanting to read one of Milla Holt's books for a while. The story, simultaneously gentle-paced and engaging, did not disappoint. While the relationship between the two main characters, Vanya and Tendo, developed slowly as each tries to wisely navigate the various obstacles thrown in front of them, it never dragged or felt boring.
I especially enjoyed getting to know Vanya (who turned out to be the girl, not the guy—I was momentarily confused about that.) Her gentle nature, as well as her uncertainty about her own worthiness and competence, both resonated with me. I also enjoyed getting a brief glimpse of the world of wealthy corporations and office politics—a setting that may be familiar to some readers, but was new to me. All in all, Milla Holt can tell a fine story.
I especially enjoyed getting to know Vanya (who turned out to be the girl, not the guy—I was momentarily confused about that.) Her gentle nature, as well as her uncertainty about her own worthiness and competence, both resonated with me. I also enjoyed getting a brief glimpse of the world of wealthy corporations and office politics—a setting that may be familiar to some readers, but was new to me. All in all, Milla Holt can tell a fine story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews