Duchess Material: A friends to lovers modern spicy royal romance

by Maude Winters

Lucy Chandler is the best friend and private secretary to the Princess of Wales. She's a palace insider, but is she ready to go the distance for the son of a duchess? Lucy's work life is organized and supercharged, but her love life is a mess. Returning from a royal tour, Lucy must make sense of what happened with her friend and housemate, Winston Ferguson, before she left. Winston Ferguson is the artist son of a Duchess. A devoted dog dad and friend to Lucy, he finally stopped pining and expressed his feelings for her. Lucy's hesitation has put that on pause. Despite Lucy's growing feelings for Winston, she's not sold... yet. Her baggage from a past relationship and concerns about fitting in as an American raised in a working class household breed insecurity. Meanwhile, Princess Natalie and her boyfriend Ed are going public. Will their relationship survive the vicious press coverage that follows them? Will Lucy and Winston move forward as friends or lovers? Will Natalie and Ed double down on their love story? This follow-up to From Pilot to Princess continues the saga of the Lyons family and its beloved cast of characters. The heroines in this second book in Spare Change will have you laughing and crying. This spicy royal romance has heart, delivering on its promise of friends-to-lovers romance and the continuation of the second-chance vibes in the series debut.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2023

About the author

Maude Winters is a romance author who writes cozy and spicy fiction. She’s a horse girl through-and-through and lives in the Midwest with her husband, horse girl daughter, and two dogs.

Maude has lived throughout the world but attributes her interest in writing about the intersection of modern politics, feminism, and royalty with her time spent in the UK as a twenty-something.

Reviews

[Kristin Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so happy I was able to delve further into the relationship between Lucy and Winston!!! I loved seeing their love and car for each other develop and how they grow to love and trust each other! The drama with the dads of the family with the significant other really hit home and resonated with me a lot so it definitely had me in my emotions. If George were a real person and not a fictional character, I would have already gone on a mission to find and throttle him for the way he treated Lucy for the first of of them book. He quite literally has me fuming and left me wanting to fight someone. I also really enjoyed seeing more of Natalie and Ed, and how they have grown to care for each other since the first book, I also enjoyed the dynamic of all our characters and their relationships. With the news the ending of this book has dropped me with I will be misty eyed and eagerly awaiting book 3 for news of Lucy and Winston and Natalie and Ed, and the rest of the gang!!!!!

[Donna Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blurb: Lucy Chandler is the best friend and private secretary to the Princess of Wales. She's a palace insider, but is she ready to go the distance for the son of a duchess? Lucy's work life is organized and supercharged, but her love life is a mess. Returning from a royal tour, Lucy must make sense of what happened with her friend and housemate, Winston Ferguson, before she left. Winston Ferguson is the artist son of a Duchess. A devoted dog dad and friend to Lucy, he finally stopped pining and expressed his feelings for her. Lucy's hesitation has put that on pause. Despite Lucy's growing feelings for Winston, she's not sold... yet. Her baggage from a past relationship and concerns about fitting in as an American raised in a working class household breed insecurity. Meanwhile, Princess Natalie and her boyfriend Ed are going public. Will their relationship survive the vicious press coverage that follows them? Will Lucy and Winston move forward as friends or lovers? Will Natalie and Ed double down on their love story? This follow-up to From Pilot to Princess continues the saga of the Lyons family and its beloved cast of characters. The heroines in this second book in Spare Change will have you laughing and crying. This spicy royal romance has heart, delivering on its promise of friends-to-lovers romance and the continuation of the second-chance vibes in the series debut.

Oh my good I simply adore this book it was so cute and I love the love the characters have for each other. I’m a new reader to Maude Winters but I am instantly hooked and she definitely has a new fan. Once I received this book I couldn’t put it down it was so addictive and fun to read. Can’t wait to read more from this amazing author.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Winters’ writing style and humour, when I read her first book. When the first book of the Spare Change series came out I knew it would be good, but seriously underestimated just how much I would love it. Then I was thrown for one when I fell even more for book two. It seems there is no stopping Maude. Her writing just gets better and better, with each book.
I find she has a way of gifting you with wonderful characters, all of which are rounded, in their various personalities, and often surprising backgrounds. She doesn’t stop there though, and especially so with this book, in that she gives you enough detail to really feel you have become friends with the characters. You know them so well you feel you could sit down to dinner neither them, and there is something special about an author that can make you feel that connected, that invested in their book.
I particularly loved the flow of this book, and especially the sprinkling of brilliant humour. It was done so well and made it such a joy to read every single page.
Honestly, this is one of the best books I have read this year and is one I will happily return to, for that light-hearted, banter-filled story I need as a pick-me-up. I highly recommend reading this book, this whole series actually.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Royals Fun and Drama - and Friends to Lovers?!?

This book picks up where "From Pilot to Princess" leaves off, and I highly recommend reading that first (both are in KU if you have it). So far the series is like a fun Royal soap opera with great strong female characters and wonderful "cinnamon roll" men supporting them. The book continues Natalie's and Ed's story from the first book (yay) but the main focus is Lucy and Winston (and their many cute pups!) who are both wonderful and perfect together - once they get there. There are a lot of characters with a lot of names and nicknames to keep track of, but worth it and definitely entertaining reading. I can't wait for the next "installment" - Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in Winters' Spare Change series and picks up were book 1 "From Pilot to Princess" leaves off and this (in my opinion) will be best read in series order. Reads like a royal soap opera with all the drama and intrigue. Amazing characters that are strong, fun and lovable. Love the multi POV and in this book we have the storyline following the romance of Lucy and Winston as well as continuing the love story between Princess Natalie and Ed. Book 3 promises to be just as fun and wacky as the previous books and I'm definitely looking forward to it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[PajamaMom Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

💜 Royal Romance
💜 Friends to Lovers
💜 Stong FMC(s)
💜 Multi POV
💜 Cinnamon Roll Book BF
💜 Strong FMC
💜 Dog Dad & Dog Mom
💜 Spicy 😏

These are my first royal romance and I enjoyed it so much. It was sweet, spicy, and everything in between. I was rooting for Lucy and Winston throughout. Winston is so patient and just the sweetest. I also love that we continue to see Natalie and Ed develop. Especially when he bosses her around 😏 I can't wait to read the next one!

Reasons I gave it a 4: The similar names took some getting used to but that's mostly me thing 😂 There were little things that seemed a tad unnecessary like the inclusion of a word described as "gringo" and small things like that.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars doesn't even do this book justice! I have become ROYALLY obsessed with all the royals in the Spare Change series and even more so with the Queen who created them ❤️ the way the words just flow on the page and keep your attention is just a breath of fresh air. The wit and characters make it so its just such an easy, loveable, cozy read. I've tried romcoms before and they weren't for me, it wasn't until I was introduced to Maude Winters that I became obsessed and now she'll forever be a one click author for me. If you enjoy a good story line, banter, spice, and comedic relief, then Duchess Material is for you!

[Melissa Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read from “Pilot to Princess” first. This book is the second in the series and picks up where the fist left off. This series is a Royal romcom. The characters are funny, feisty, and lovable. It is multiple POV. I loved Winston and Lucy, they were so cute together. Then throw in the dogs and I just melt. Natalie and Ed are such a strong couple, it seems like they could overcome anything. I really can not wait for the next book ❤️❤️❤️

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second book in the series, and while I had issues with the first book, this one was so much better. I was able to really get invested in the storyline of Lucy and Winston's romance, as well as enjoy the continuing romance of Princess Natalie and Ed. I am eagerly anticipating book three in this series in order to find out what happens next in this tongue-in-cheek wacky royal Brit family.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duchess Material picks up right where From Pilot to Princess leaves off, and you really need to read these books in order to have a better understanding of everything. These books are a lot of fun, have strong, wonderful female characters, and give off a British soap opera vibe. We continue with Natalie and Ed's story, but we also get Lucy and Winston's story. They are so cute and sweet, and you will fall in love with the characters, along with their story.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duchess Material by Maude Winters is a good, and enjoyable friends to lovers royalty romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This story is an entertaining funny royalty romance read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yes_I_Read_Lots · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely romance. Loved the dual storyline with Natalie and Ed and Winston and Lucy. I just want to say George is a douche! 😆

I was a bit confused with Winslow/Winston naming but it all worked out. Seriously who doesn’t love friends to lovers 💕

Love the strong FMC, love how both couples are perfect together and for each other.

Enjoyed this novel.

[Zoe Jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Natalie and Ed’s relationship and was beautiful to watch it grow and blossom.

Lucy and Winston’s love story definitely starts in an interesting place but they are so right for each other.

All the female characters are so great and strong, all with different and distinct personalities.

Maude’s book are always a joy to read and recommend to everyone.

[Jeanne Feeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in love with this series. I enjoy that this doesn’t just focus on two characters. Maude Winters really knows how to develop the characters and intertwining stories. So engaging it’s hard to put down. The only negative is I need to wait for the next book! Don’t hesitate, great read ! Really!

[Jenn Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I was so excited to see more from the characters in book one from pilot to princess. Lucy is such a character her story is so fun to read. It’s the perfect royal love story with a bit of spice

[Rhyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one right after I finished Book 1: From Pilot to Princess, and I can tell you that I wasn't disappointed!

While this book highlighted some of the milestones of Natalie's and Ed's relationship, what I absolutely loved reading about was the development of Lucy's and Winston's relationship. Let's face it, we were shipping them in Book 1, so I'm so glad that Maude gave us the ship we wanted in this book!

Winston is the epitome of a patient man. Lucy is one of those heroines that you're constantly cheering on, because you genuinely want her to win! What's interesting is that despite their completely opposite financial backgrounds, their family backgrounds are so very similar. And while the battles that they face with each of their families are designed to drive them apart, they're also what ends up strengthening their relationship.

As for Natalie and Ed - I loved seeing their relationship evolve from new love to a strong relationship that will stand the test of time. It's interesting to see how slow they're taking things as opposed to Winston and Lucy, but it's definitely what works best for them. Ed is exactly what Natalie needs. He is so patient and giving, but it also made me glad to see him call Natalie out when she was being unreasonable.

Now, I know that this is nowhere near the end for these characters, so I'm definitely looking forward to book 3!

NOTE: ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[D. Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like me some royal stories. This was a good one and got to see more of the other characters in it. This had heart and a good story. I can't wait for the other books in this series.

[Book Dragon Jordyn Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. Lived the fojnd family trope. George kind of redeemed himself.
Lucy's and Winston's dads respectively need to grow up and dig the stick out of their rear ends.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Spare Change series. It picks up where From Pilot to Princess ends, so read that one first! I was so excited to see the growth of relationships in this book. I think Winston and Lucy are fantastic together, even with how it got them there. I'm most excited to see where Natalie and Ed go in book 3.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been several months since Lucy Chandler moved in with her friend Winston Ferguson following a messy breakup, and they've been growing closer ever since. Winston finally confessed his love for Lucy the night before she left on a month-long work trip, and now that she's home, it's time to deal with the consequences. They decide to give dating a try, but that means overcoming the opposition of Lucy's ex, Prince George. The now former heir to the British throne isn't exactly thrilled to learn that his sort-of cousin and his ex are now an item. Privately, Lucy has doubts of her own; her working class American background makes her an unlikely match for the son and heir of a duchess. Will love conquer all or is Lucy in for another heartbreak?

Meanwhile, Lucy's best friend and employer, Princess Natalie, is blissfully happy with retired Olympic swimmer Ed Winslow, though their love remains a secret. She knows Ed's tired of hiding their relationship, so she impulsively decides to out them to the press. It's what he thinks he wants, but is Ed really prepared for the media frenzy they're about to create?

I enjoyed this book even more than the first one of the series! Lucy and Winston's relationship moved quickly, but I have to agree with Natalie that they're one of those couples that just seems to make sense. I also loved seeing Natalie so head over heels for Ed that she's actually considering the future, meaning marriage and children. Her character has grown tremendously over the course of these two books.

I highly recommend "Duchess Material" for all royal romance fans and look forward to the next book of the series.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Heather Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

More drama, more fun, and friends becoming lovers? Dive into this captivating royal soap opera that continues Natalie and Ed's story while focusing on Lucy and Winston's adorable journey. With strong female characters and supportive cinnamon roll men.

I can’t get enough of this amazing series! The way Maude Winters expertly develops characters and weaves their stories together is truly captivating. It's so engrossing, I can't put it down! Only downside is the agonizing wait for the next book. Highly recommend, it's a must-read!

[Jennifer Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent follow up to From Pilot to Princess! I loved seeing so much more of Lucy and Winston, Natalie and Ed, and let's be honest, less of George and Robbie. There were a lot of laugh out loud moments in this book and such sweet romance. I loved Ed in the first book , but I really think Winston has taken the lead for most charming boyfriend.

A great carryover from Pilot was woman empowerment and trying to make your way in a mans world. While Natalie and Lucy are both trying to juggle being working women and deciding when/if they want to be a wife and mother, I really felt the struggle for Lucy. Between her upbringing and horrible father, to creating a new life for herself and the treatment by George, I can understand her reluctance to trust love and men. She's worked so hard for her life and she doesn't want to give it up until she is ready. I loved her growth and the progression she made, and not to spoil anything, but I loved how everything wrapped up for her. Excited to see what more is in store for her.

There seemed to be a little less Natalie in this book, but I was really happy with the growth she had too. There was one scene where she got into the fight with Ed and I was so mad at her. I wanted to give a little lecture, lol! But she surprised me by acknowledging her wrongs pretty quickly and communicating. Natalie and Ed are growing together so well, it's wonderful to see.

And just a little venting because it may just be me, but I was so happy there was less George and Robbie in this book. Especially George and his irrational jealously that Lucy has moved on with Winston. Even if there is some stupid bro/cousin code, he's the one who emotionally cheated on Lucy and wasted five years of her life. He's the one who left and he can't let it go. Right when you think he's accepted it, he keeps being petty. Ughh. Men.

Anyways, looking forward to Duke Material!

Thank you to the author for the ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashley Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! I loved this book! It was so adorable and the love that Natalie and Ed as well as Winston and Lucy have is just adorable! I disliked how George acted with learning about Winston and Lucy since I felt like he was putting off the energy that she didn’t deserved to be happy. The biggest thing that I’m looking forward to is seeing what comes of Natalie and Ed and if they might become engaged by the middle or end of book 3.

I also felt like this book out shines book 1 since it builds even more on the relationships that formed mid to the end of book 1.