Portia and Jude are doing everything in reverse. They get engaged before dating, plan a wedding before meeting each other's families, and vow to trust each other before revealing their secrets. But what's in the dark must come to light. When it does, will it shatter their bond? The Vulnerable Heart continues the story of The Scornful Heart, in which Jude conducts a science experiment using Portia as his subject. In this sequel, Jude wrestles with his growing love for Portia and his low emotional intelligence, as he attempts to rectify the relationship mistakes he's made. Portia and Jude grow stronger, together and apart, as they discover love's power to forgive and heal. This spicy contemporary romance explores the themes of transformation and redemption.