Hiding in the Limelight: A Workplace Romance

by Elora Maxwell

Raleigh Davis was built for the blinding neon of Nashville. She just always thought she’d experience that light up on a stage. Twelve years past her prime, she’ll do anything to keep her dreams alive on Music Row, including taking on the management of a young up-and-comer named Mae Evans. Raleigh and Mae become an unbeatable team and are inseparable until three years into the partnership. After an incident involving a fan, the record label deems it time to add a handsome new head of security to the team.

When Dalton Cosgrove is hired to protect a headstrong publicist and a country music star who can’t get out of a toxic relationship, he swears he’s up for the task. After all, he’s only ever wanted to protect those that can’t protect themselves. There’s just one distraction that might keep him from his goals, and that’s the woman that’s supposed to be his coworker. A woman that hides her true feelings behind innocent teasing and flirty glances.

Raleigh and Dalton are forced to work together and keep their young star from hurting her reputation, which proves to be a tougher task than they thought it might be. It doesn’t help when the two start to form a bond outside of the boardroom, or that the spotlight on Mae is so bright that the new partners might just be able to get away with a few things that aren’t exactly considered professional.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

About the author

Elora Maxwell is an independent historical fiction author. She writes historical things, romantic things, fantastical things, and sometimes devastatingly sad things. When she’s not traveling through time, she likes visiting amusement parks, watching movies, and forcing everyone around her to listen to Taylor Swift.

You can find her on Instagram and TikTok @author_eloramaxwell

Reviews

[Samantha Nigliazzo · Rating 1 out of 5]

This entire book was a continuous let down. There was so much potential with this storyline but, unfortunately, I was left more frustrated than entertained. A few huge downfalls for me were, first, the ONE interaction that Raleigh and Mae had with the “stalker” was absolutely not enough to consider him a stalker. Everything was blown out of proportion from there.
Next, Mae and Raleigh have an extremely weird relationship, considering they are, at the core, only professionally connected. Raleigh acts almost obsessive with Mae, in what she deems a “best friend” way, but Mae doesn’t even prioritize Raleigh on a human level, telling her “We should keep our distance because Trenton will be mad if he sees you.” Glimpses of Raleigh’s failed attempt at fame are only alluding to feelings of extreme jealousy of Mae and she’s essentially using Mae to live out her failed dreams of being a Nashville star. It’s borderline psychologically unhealthy.
I will be the first to admit that I don’t know the inner workings of being famous but I have severe concerns for Mae’s so-called “friends” after her and Trenton had “an unfortunate argument that got physical” and then Mae was still required to do a press circuit with him the next day. Dalton’s entire role in this book is to be her body guard. How did he not have stronger concerns for her safety going forward?
I also do not understand why her band members started leaving her in the middle of her tour. “This isn’t what they signed up for?” What exactly did they sign up for when they joined her band?
I think the most egregious behaviors stem from the storyline involving Raleigh’s ex, Grant. This entire storyline is outrageous. From her having flashbacks of their stage days that seemingly interfere with her ability to form a new relationship, to her parents hosting a dinner party for Grant and his new fiancé so that they all can be united in putting their relationship in the past - everything in this storyline is a red flag.
The car accident was grossly over exaggerated for the minor injuries that Mae sustained.
Lastly, saying that Mae is “just a young woman sharing her truth and championing what she’s gone through.” is absurd because the only things she’s “gone through” were the direct consequences of her being entitled and spoiled and doing, quite literally, everything she was advised not to do.
Overall, there was zero depth to this story and the characters continuously made nonsensical decisions, which resulted in the story being more irritating than anything.

[Ysabeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by none other than Elora Maxwell! I've read all of her books and I will forever be amazed at how easily she jumps from historical fiction (based on real historical events) to paranormal adventure to contemporary romance! I'm in awe! 🤩

Hiding In The Limelight is the prequel to Blindsided by the Spotlight, and we follow The publicist (Raleigh) and bodyguard (Dalton) of a young emerging country singer (Mar). At first, Raleigh doesn't like Dalton. But both find common ground in protecting Mae from her toxic boyfriend and to making her fame about her and not about her and the BF. They learn to work together and soon, sparks fly. Will they have time to get to know each other or will the backstage take I'll of their time?

Favorite quotes out of context:
💚 "I can't believe you're leaving me alone with that toddler" (about the toxic BF 💀)
🎶 ...not wanting to look to keen. Though, all I want to do is look at her in my clothes with her messy hair. 🥰
💚 "You have until midnight to do whatever you want with me." 👀

Tropes include:
💚 Publicist x Bodyguard
🎶 Protective MMC
💚 Feisty FMC with an attitude
🎶 Workplace romance
💚 Dislike to friends to lovers
🎶 Swoony closed door
💚 Christmas Karaoke

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🍭

[Becky Passner · Rating 4 out of 5]

“For the first time in my entire life I feel taken care of, like there’s nothing to prove.”

Raleigh and Dalton’s story was a sweet workplace romance that leans heavily into quiet support.

If you want a sweet, slow burn, no spice romance, this book is for you. The romance is built on trust, shared moments, and the kind of care that shows up in small but meaningful ways.

Hiding in the Limelight is a fun look at the behind-the-scenes world of country music, largely focusing on the artists and their staff and the sacrifices they all make to succeed. It does a nice job highlighting how much of that world happens out of sight, and how demanding it can be to live in the orbit of the spotlight.

Raleigh and Dalton start on different teams, become coworkers, and then more, with their relationship naturally evolving from mutual respect into something deeper. Watching their friendship grow was just as satisfying as the romance itself.

Tropes & vibes:
* Workplace romance
* Slow burn
* Coworkers to friends to lovers
* Banter
* No spice

Special thanks to Elora and her team for providing me with an advance review copy. All opinions are my own, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Victoria]

While this book took me a bit to get through, it ended up being so worth it. Sometimes a story just needs time to settle in, and this one definitely rewarded me for sticking with it.

This workplace romance beautifully explores themes of love, friendship, and the kinds of hardships that shape who we are. The dynamic between Dalton and Releigh was so sweet and genuine. I don’t think I’ve ever read a Bodyguard x Publicist trope before, and it made the whole book feel refreshing, unique, and honestly really fun.

Their interactions were filled with warmth, subtle tension, and the kind of quiet loyalty that sneaks up on you. And when their protectiveness over Mae comes into play? These two do not hold back. Watching them move from guarded professionalism to deep emotional connection was one of my favorite parts.

If you’re in the mood for a workplace romance with heart, depth, and a trope you don’t see every day, this one is worth picking up.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

First off, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Elora Maxwell's writing. Her stories, especially the historical fiction ones, are so engaging to read. This contemporary romance reminded me so much of the TV series, Nashville. There was such a realistic element to this story. Not having been a part of the music industry world, I could only imagine this kind of story happening in real life. The story kept my attention every time I picked it up. The characters were well developed. I loved the ones I was supposed to love and disliked the dislikable characters. The ended was satisfying to read. If you enjoy stories about life in the music industry, I highly recommend this book!

P.S. The author provides some content warnings at the beginning of the book. Please check those out before reading.

[AL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxwell’s at it again and this series is so much fun with just the right amount of thought provoking scenarios and emotion!

Raleigh is every woman in my mind. She simply wants stability, to do the work she loves and is damn good at, be appreciated, and find work/personal life balance.

My favorite part of this series is the behind the scenes look we get at celebrities and their staff, the ups and downs of that world and the personal sacrifices made in committing to those types of jobs

Raleigh has made said sacrifices for her work and getting to read about her managing time for someone who sees all sides of her is beautiful and heartbreaking and fun and growth inducing!

[Katrina Madsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thanks to Elora and her team for providing me with an ARC copy of this lovely book! All opinions are my own.

I love a good workplace romance and this offers everything I love and more! The historical fiction aspect was really fun as well. I love jumping back in time and the perspective on the music industry and its ups and downs. I felt it was really well done. Raleigh and Dalton's relationship was the best and given that I love a slow burn, this was perfect for me.

This was also perfect to read around the time of Christmas as there were some fun holiday scenes and Christmas karaoke.

[Priscilla Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! It was a cute little romance, an easy read! I guess what I would have liked to see more was more clarity in certain plotlines and relationships between characters! Sometimes it felt like we jumped back and forth a lot but I didn’t get to see the whole picture! Overall it was a cute story that kept my interest :) I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Kristin Gibson Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so sweet!! I loved the way Raleigh and Dalton's relationship developed. They are just the perfect book couple. I'm not a big romance reader but I ate this book up! The banter, the tension, the romance 😍😍😍. And I absolutely LOVED that it was closed-door. It honestly made the book better in my opinion.

Bonus points: This book has some Christmas scenes so it counts toward your holiday TBR!!

[Briana Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a great read! I absolutely fell in love with the relationship that unfolds throughout the story. I’ve never read a book with this kind of trope before, but it completely won me over. I was hooked from start to finish — every chapter kept me engaged and wanting more.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a story that feels fresh, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. 💕📚✨

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC reader and I speed read this book and finished it in a day! It is a super cute body guard-exec, friends to lovers romance that while took me a second to get hooked had me to the end once it did! I really liked the story line and character development!

[Lily]

I am really struggling to get into this one💔- 12% in
Not really loving the characters and even the storyline, it just seems a bit all over the place - 18% in
I think I’m going to DNF😢 - 20% in

🌶️: none so far (at 20%)
🤬: 1 use of bullsh**, 4 uses of d*mn, 1 use of h*ll, 1 use of b*st*rd

[Laurana Ryback · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I would have read this book before “blindsided by the spotlight”. In my opinion this book was better and then I would have appreciated Rayleigh and Dalton more in the other book. I almost didn’t read this book based on my opinion of Blindsided but I’m glad I read it anyway.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! it started off slow and almost hard to read with how the music industry is portrayed in a believably bad/ tough way. However at some point you get so wrapped up in it that I couldn't put it down. I was never sure where this was going to end up or how many things would happen before reaching the happy ending but I really enjoyed the journey and the end was unpredictable but sweet.

Thank you Elora Maxwell for this Arc.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an exciting read! Raleigh and Dalton give the perfect workplace romance vibes in an unconventional setting, leaving their close proximity more flirtatious than ever. Definitely a slow burn, but absolutely worth it in this captivating story.