  The densities in the cores of the neutron stars (NSs) can reach several times
that of the nuclear saturation density. The exact nature of matter at these
densities is still virtually unknown. We consider a number of proposed,
phenomenological relativistic mean-field equations of state to construct
theoretical models of NSs. We find that, based on our selected set of models,
the emergence of exotic matter at these high densities restricts the mass of
NSs to $\simeq 2.2 M_\odot$. However, the presence of magnetic fields and a
model anisotropy significantly increases the star's mass, placing it within the
observational mass gap that separates the heaviest NSs from the lightest black
holes. Therefore, we propose that gravitational wave observations, like
GW190814, and other potential candidates within this mass gap, may actually
represent massive, magnetized NSs.
