You and Me But Not Us
A Novel of Love, Longing, and the Fragile Beauty of Togetherness
By Steven Kay | Published by DonnaInk Publications, L.L.C.
 
In You and Me But Not Us, British author Steven Kay crafts a deeply evocative tale of love’s rise and fall—where passion meets reality, and the dream of “forever” is tested by the complexities of identity, desire, and domestic life.
 
Tom, a hopeless romantic and quintessential English gentleman, is instantly captivated by Martina, a striking Czech belle whose elegance and spirit awaken something profound in him. Their whirlwind romance unfolds across the English Lake District and Ireland, filled with cycling, swimming, and shared dreams. Within weeks, they’ve built a life together—one that feels destined.
 
But as they settle into family life, their visions begin to diverge. Martina longs for a grand home and a picture-perfect life, while Tom dreams of simplicity and a larger family. They compromise, building a life with two daughters and a charming countryside home. Tom becomes a beloved English teacher in Martina’s hometown, and their children thrive under his nurturing care.
 
Yet beneath the surface, Martina wrestles with inner turmoil. Though she has what she once desired, a persistent void gnaws at her spirit. Hedonistic impulses, identity struggles, and envy of Tom’s natural parenting abilities begin to erode their bond. Meanwhile, Tom—devoted but resistant to modern expectations—clings to tradition and work, leaving emotional gaps unfilled.
As addiction, resentment, and emotional distance grow, the couple faces a reckoning. Martina must choose between fleeting indulgence and lasting love. Tom must confront whether love alone can hold together what life has begun to pull apart.
 
You and Me But Not Us is a tender, tragic, and beautifully written novel that explores the tension between romantic idealism and the realities of partnership. It’s a story for anyone who has loved deeply, lost painfully, and wondered whether love can survive the storm.
 
About the Author: Steven Kay
Steven Kay was born in Lancashire, England, near the Irish Sea and the Forest of Bowland—landscapes that continue to inspire his writing. A lifelong lover of nature, Steven’s passion for cycling, swimming, and walking infuses his work with vivid imagery and emotional depth.
After completing his studies, Steven spent over a decade teaching English in the Czech Republic, where he also raised his three daughters—teaching them languages, life skills, and the joy of discovery. His writing reflects the richness of lived experience, the quiet heroism of fatherhood, and the emotional intricacies of relationships.
 
Steven’s literary voice is shaped by the influence of Victorian authors like Thomas Hardy, and his novels transport readers into the heart of rural England, where characters feel as real as neighbors and emotions run deep.
 
About the Publisher: DonnaInk Publications, L.L.C.
DonnaInk Publications is a woman-owned boutique publishing house dedicated to elevating diverse voices and transformative storytelling. With a global author network spanning nine countries and five continents, DonnaInk offers traditional and indie publishing services, including business box kits, production packages, and customized branding.
 
Under the leadership of Donna L. Quesinberry, a prolific author and strategic visionary, DonnaInk specializes in clean, compelling literature that resonates across genres—from memoir and romance to fantasy, spirituality, and psychological drama.
 
With You and Me But Not Us, DonnaInk continues its mission to publish stories that matter—stories that stir the soul, challenge the heart, and linger long after the final page.
 
Available now through DonnaInk Publications and major retailers.