You, Me, & My Toxicity

by Britt W.

In You, Me, & My Toxicity, Lafayette is a hopeless romantic, constantly diving headfirst into relationships, searching for the love and affection he’s been deprived of. His dysfunctional family background leaves him chasing connection at any cost, mistaking intensity for intimacy. He’s the type who clings to the idea of love, believing that finding “the one” will heal his wounds. Meanwhile, Anais couldn’t be more different. Scarred by her own trauma-filled childhood, she’s learned to retreat from love, building walls that protect her from the pain of vulnerability. Her heart is cautious, avoiding emotional attachment at every turn.

When Lafayette and Anais meet on separate vacations, their whirlwind romance disrupts everything they know about relationships. While Lafayette rushes to embrace the instant chemistry, Anais is torn between the desire to let go and the instinct to run. Together, they must confront the toxic habits that have shaped them—Lafayette’s need to possess love and Anais’ fear of it.

As their connection deepens, they are forced to face their painful pasts and decide if they can break free from the patterns holding them back. But will their unresolved trauma be too great an obstacle? Or can they find a way to build something real, something healthy, despite their deeply rooted fears?

This emotional journey asks whether two people, with all their flaws and scars, can truly transform for love—or if their pasts will keep them from moving forward.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2024

About the author

Britt W. is thrilled to debut as an author, sharing her passion for storytelling through her first novel, *You, Me & My Toxicity*. With a narrative that is both personal and raw, Britt delves into the intricate emotions of love, healing, and self-discovery. Her writing explores the challenges of overcoming pain, reflecting her deep belief in the power of growth and transformation.

A longtime lover of literature, Britt’s journey as a writer is rooted in her desire to create stories that resonate with readers on an emotional level. *You, Me & My Toxicity* marks the beginning of her literary career, and she is eager to continue telling stories that inspire and uplift. Her work speaks to the complexity of human relationships, making her voice a fresh and authentic addition to the contemporary fiction landscape.

Beyond writing, Britt is dedicated to connecting with her readers and sharing exclusive insights into her creative process. Follow her on all platforms to stay updated on her latest projects and upcoming releases.

Reviews

[Rashawnda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can love and toxicity come together and create something beautiful? Well after reading You, Me and My Toxicity I think the answer may be yes!

On one hand we have a lover through and through in Lafayette! He wants it all, the wife, the kids, the white picket fence and just when he’s ready to lock down his forever, he comes home to a dear John letter. Now he’s heartbroken and a bit loose with women as he decides what’s next for his love life.

Then we have Anais. She has trauma bones buried in her backyard and until she can deal with and heal from this, she wants nothing serious from a man. After the one she trusted the most left her in a traumatic situation, she wasn’t foolish enough to let another one do the same or worse. Anais was here for a good time not a long time and that’s just the way things were.

After Lafayette and Anais find themselves at the same location, they develop a connection that’s faster than the speed of lighting and fall deep, fast! He’s ready to be all in but her toxic traits won’t allow her to be great! What’s a girl to do?!

This was a good start to this series. I enjoyed the second half of this book so much and while the connection was fast it still felt natural! I was swooning nonstop at the way Lafayette doted on and catered to Anais and was hoping she would finally let her guard down.

Where I struggled a bit with the story was with the first half not matching the second half. At times it felt like I was reading two different books that had nothing to do with each other. In the first half I didn’t understand why connections with other men were established if Lafayette was the end goal. Micah and Tristian felt like a monkey wrench in the story because as far as I was concerned either of them were perfect! The cliffhanger also didn’t seem to fit with the story. In my mind I was thinking the story would go in one direction when it didn’t.

There were really good bones to this story however it needed a few minor edits (not grammatical) to feel more cohesive. I am committed to the characters and can’t wait to see how things turn out. For a debut novel, Britt did a good job and I have no doubt as her author journey continues, she will deliver some amazing stories! Patiently waiting for book 2.

[Crimson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yessss

I see you Britt W!! You got me over here heated because part 2 is pending. This book is great!! There are a lot of moving parts, but I was able to keep up. I'll be more patient though. Thank you for your beautiful work. Y'all just read the damn book.

[Natea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This her debut & she came out swinging!!!

Britt you did your thang okay. Dana is literally my therapist because I’m literally Lafayette !!!! This was beautifully written and I’m looking forward to what things look like for Lala & Anais — because this ain’t no cookie cutter romance! lol!

[Shanara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you toxic?

What a great debut! This was good!!!!

Hurt, betrayal, and grief can breed toxic behavior when you don’t address it. Anais was about to miss out on Lafayette. Lafayette practicing patience and sticking to his promise led him right to his forever. I really do hope they make it work!
But this cliffhanger?!?! I need this second part. ASAP!

[Zee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two broken souls cautiously yearning for love!

I absolutely loved this book. I love how self aware Anais is. She knows she’s “messed up” and although she desires to be loved she pushes everyone away until Lafayette provides her with the safe space to explore the what if’s and live in the moment and be his.

Lafayette is learning to let go of who he thinks he’s supposed to be and is learning to step outside the box after a breakup and self reflecting.

Anais and Lafayette’s kismet souls had me all wrapped up in my damn feelings. The chemistry, the S P I C E, the love, the and vulnerability was everything! I’m so ready for book two.

Congratulations, Britt on your debut book !

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You, Me & My Toxicity was an incredibly powerful read that made me take a deep look at my own patterns in relationships. Britt masterfully explores how toxic behaviors passed down from parents can deeply affect a person’s ability to love and connect as an adult.

The character development of Anaïs and Lafayette was truly inspiring. Watching them confront their own flaws and actively choose growth over self-destruction was both realistic and hopeful. I appreciated that they didn’t let their toxicity define them—they kept showing up and doing the work, which is what real love requires.

Some readers questioned the inclusion of other men in Anaïs’s journey, but I found it necessary and authentic. It highlighted her inner conflict and the complexity of healing. Healing isn’t linear, and those detours made her eventual choices more meaningful.

Overall, this book was raw, honest, and beautifully written. Britt did an amazing job shining a light on the cycles we carry and giving us hope that we can break them.

Looking forward to reading more Britt 💕.

[Jacknthebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in from beginning to end. I was thoroughly invested in Anais and Lafayette's story. I liked that the first half of the story was them learning what they needed to work on about themselves. Their initial meeting was hot. Their chemistry could be felt through the pages. These two were hot and heavy from the jump. Of course, their toxicity showed up front and center, Anais' more than Lafayettes. There were several moments I wanted to shake some sense into Anais. I understood her need to be guarded, but dang, sis, let love in. Enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to dive into book 2.

[Diana]

This had potential. Lafayette was amazing but I waited almost 50% of the book for Lafayette and Anais to even meet. When they do finally meet, it’s pretty insta love. I didn’t buy that Anais was friends with benefits with her best friend back home and this man she meets on vacation gets her to get over her fear of commitment?

[Tiffany Joynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!

MMC was my favorite, mature successful black man ready for real love. FMC at least acknowledging and attempting to fix what’s keeping her from enjoying happiness.