Lisa Wu Hartwell can't help if she's a busy body; it's in her DNA to be a hustler. However, the petite powerhouse reveals her vulnerability like she never has before on the second season of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." ESSENCE.com caught up with the wife and mother of three to find out whether she and Kim kiss and make up, what happened with her and NeNe's book deal, and why she's not letting anything hold  her back.

ESSENCE.COM: Mrs. Hartwell, we hear your're back with a vengeance. Is that true?
LISA WU HARTWELL: (Laughs.) Who said that? No, but the show is very juicy and drama-filled. Last season we only had seven episodes, and we're scheduled for about 13 not including the reunion show. There will be storylines that will make you laugh and cry. I love the Jersey housewives, but the queens are back to take their crowns.

ESSENCE.COM: Speaking of reunions, how's your relationship with Kim?
HARTWELL: I always tell people I'm a businesswoman first and a busy one. However, the fire is always there when it comes to protecting my family and loved ones and that's what Kim made the mistake of doing. But she and I have a chance to talk and how it ended will soon be revealed. I am spicy, but  you will definitely see the sensitive side of me. I think people's impression of me is that I work so hard and I'm a robot, but you'll see me crying a lot. I'm very vulnerable. I haven't decided if I like that or not yet (laughs).

ESSENCE.COM: In an ESSENCE article and on the reunion show NeNe announced that you two were coauthoring a book entitled "Battered But Not Broken." But now she says you two were never doing a book. What happened?
HARTWELL: Since the reunion show and the article there's been a change. For weeks, I had been asking NeNe to get her thoughts and notes together so I could write it and encouraged her to write a little every day. When I didn't receive anything from her I told her I was going to continue to work on the book and we would revisit it and that's when she told me she already got a book deal. I was disappointed that she had brokered a deal without my knowledge because I could have moved on months ago. I wish her well because we have two different stories to tell and two different personalities. And we all know  that sometimes personalities can clash on a book tour, so it all worked out for the best.

ESSENCE.COM: In an ESSENCE article you admitted you were a domestic violence survivor. Will you address this on the show?
HARTWELL: Yes, but I never name any names, but I do discuss incidents and let the viewers know that domestic abuse is not normal and it should never be tolerated.

ESSENCE.COM: It bothers you that your other two sons with Keith Sweat were not able to be a part of the show, giving the impression that you only have one child. Any chance we will see all your boys?
HARTWELL: Keith and I are still not on the same page. Hopefully, by the third season we will be. My sons are teenagers now and they want to do it. I think it would be a great thing because the children weren't exposed in a derogatory manner. I don't know what his issues are but it's okay for now. I love my children equally, and although the world doesn't get to see them, I spend a lot of time with all of them.

ESSENCE.COM: Was it awkward running into him at the BET Awards?
HARTWELL: It wasn't awkward because we have children together. I don't wish him any harm. It just happens to be that we travel in the same circles. Although I did think, Hey, this is a setup and was done on purpose (laughs). No, seriously, I'm a forgiving person because when you don't release anger and disappointment it will eat you up. I'm about moving forward in my life and I won't ever let my past or anyone hold me back.

Tune in to watch more of Lisa Wu Hartwell on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" (Bravo) on Thursday, July 30, at 10 P.M. ET.