ROYAL SPIN

In Stores February 10, 2026 from William Morrow Books

SHE CAN HANDLE THE PRESS, BUT CAN SHE HANDLE THE PALACE?

From preeminent royal journalist Omid Scobie and National Book Award winner Robin Benway,
an irresistibly entertaining story about a young American woman who takes a job at Buckingham Palace—where she finds herself tangled in a royal mess she might not be able to spin her way out of.

With the British monarchy reeling from a wave of scandals, young American politico Lauren Morgan is plucked from the White House press office to breathe new life into the Buckingham Palace communications team and improve the royal family’s streak of bad headlines. But the Palace is an institution steeped in tradition and strict protocol, and Lauren quickly discovers that change is far from easy, or welcome, especially when you’re dealing with culture clashes, displeased royal aides, and a risky new love interest—or two.

Just as Lauren finds her footing at work—and with a charming royal reporter who may be more than just a press contact—an unexpected encounter threatens the career she’s worked so hard to build. And when scandal looms over the dashing duke with whom Lauren has developed a special bond, she finds herself torn between duty, loyalty, success, and happiness.

From London’s high society clubs to the sacred corridors and rarely seen spaces of Buckingham Palace, Royal Spin is a fun, humorous, and heartfelt novel that reminds us of the importance of chasing your dreams, and that the most rewarding journeys are often the messiest.

PRAISE FOR ROBIN BENWAY’S PREVIOUS NOVEL
THE girls of skylark lane

⭐️ “The well-developed, spirited, and diverse cast of characters is reminiscent of those in the film A League of Their Own. The narrative, told in the siblings’ alternating third-person perspectives, contrasts easygoing Jac with anxious Aggie, allowing both of their distinct voices to shine and reflecting the unique struggles and complexities of growing up with (and potentially apart from) a twin….A heartwarming, richly told coming-of-age story that radiates humor and care.”
– Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

⭐️ “In this heartwarming slice-of-life novel, a middle grade debut, Benway showcases the importance of friendship, family, and forgiveness in helping tweens navigate the awkwardness and uncertainty of early adolescence. Quickly resolved conflict is handled sensitively, further contributing to the feel-good atmosphere.”
– Publishers Weekly (starred review)

PRAISE FOR Robin Benway’s Previous Novel
A year To the day

⭐️ “A Year to the Day is simultaneously gut-wrenching and heartening, as grief and love so often are. Its unusual structure effectively relates a timeless story in a new and engaging way as Benway offers beautiful, profound reflections on loss, healing and forgiveness. Ultimately, Leo’s story is a lesson in self-compassion and hope, reminding readers that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting the past, and although love can be painful, it’s worth holding on to.”
– Bookpage (starred review)

"The backward chronology is a bold and worthy experiment. We step away from the novel carrying a secret — we now know what Leo might never remember — and thus we feel complicit in withholding the devastating truth. Ultimately, A Year to the Day is a moving exploration of how the mind both punishes and protects, and a reminder of how fortunate we are to love and be loved, even if only for a short time.”
– The New York Times

“As the clock winds back and details slowly emerge, Benway highlights pivotal days throughout the year, rendering a persuasive portrait of heartache and loss….Suspense, unanswered questions, and raw emotion blend together in an honest examination of one family’s varying symptoms and stages of grief.”
– Publishers Weekly

"Authentic, often sarcastically funny dialogue and texts bring a lightness and grim humor to interactions Leo has with East and others. Her divorced parents and stepmother are poignantly developed secondary characters, and the intricate dynamics of Leo’s relationships with each of them underscore the ripple effect that occurs in families following a tragic loss. An intelligent, compassionate examination of a family enduring a nightmare.”
– Kirkus Reviews

"The novel keeps a tight focus on Leo herself, allowing her to be relatable in both her growth and grief, while the third-person voice keeps the deepest heartbreak at a distance. The unique storytelling structure builds tension by slowly revealing small details of Leo’s past year, placing in sharp relief the one big thing she cannot recount. East, then, emerges as Leo’s most potent foil, since he remembers what she does not, including a truth revealed in the shattering final chapters, one that might be foreseeable but is an emotional gut punch nonetheless.”
– Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books

“A nuanced, sensitive capture of a devastating event and the life beyond it.”
– Booklist