Mya really knows how to tug on the heartstrings. Burden of Love is an emotional, layered story that explores the weight of family, sacrifice, and the kind of love that doesn’t come easy, but is always worth it. The characters felt raw and real, and I was rooting for them through every painful and tender moment. This was my second read from Mya, and it definitely won’t be my last.

MYA's "Burden of Love" is a compelling legal drama infused with a potent romantic tension, centering on the high-stakes collision of justice and undeniable attraction. The story immediately draws you into the courtroom drama, setting a gripping pace from the outset.

We are introduced to Talia Tate, a brilliant young lawyer freshly passed the bar, eager to prove her mettle within her father's prestigious firm, Tate & Associates. Her first major challenge is the controversial State V. Duncan trial, where she finds herself directly opposing Detective Maddox Reed. Maddox is a seasoned, no-nonsense investigator, known for his efficient, if sometimes unconventional, methods. Their professional clash is electric, fueled by their differing approaches to justice and an undeniable, simmering chemistry that complicates everything.

The book excels at creating a dynamic and fast-paced narrative, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, much like a gripping legal thriller. The development of Talia and Maddox's relationship is a central focus, evolving from initial doubt and professional rivalry to a powerful, passionate connection. Talia's steadfast determination and compassion are truly inspiring, while Maddox's commitment to protecting his family and his willingness to evolve for Talia add significant depth to his character. The effortless unfolding of their romance, even amidst polarizing circumstances, is a highlight.

However, the story does present some ethical considerations that might leave readers pondering. The inherent conflict of interest in Talia and Maddox's relationship, given their opposing roles in a high-profile case, is a significant hurdle they navigate. While their personal connection drives much of the narrative, some readers might find themselves wishing for a deeper exploration of the professional ramifications and ethical dilemmas that such a situation would entail. Additionally, the central mystery of "who killed the lady" provides a strong hook, and while the book delivers on drama, it leaves you on a significant cliffhanger, demanding anticipation for the next installment.

In conclusion, "Burden of Love" is a captivating read that dives headfirst into a passionate romance set against a dramatic legal backdrop. It's a story of love's power to transcend obstacles, even when those obstacles involve the very foundations of law and personal ethics. Despite leaving some ethical questions lingering, the book's engaging characters and thrilling plot make it a worthwhile read for fans of romantic suspense.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!

Thank you NetGlley for the arc.

This steamy legal drama delivers a thrilling mix of courtroom tension and forbidden romance. Talia Tate is a driven young lawyer out to prove herself, while Detective Maddox Reed is a tough cop who plays by his own rules. When they’re thrown on opposite sides of a high-stakes case, sparks fly—both in the courtroom and out.

Their chemistry is electric, but with justice, pride, and reputations on the line, love may be the biggest challenge of all. A fast-paced, sexy story full of conflict, passion, and unexpected twists.

This is a great book. My first of this Author. Plan to read other books. I am grateful that I was able to read this in advance.

The burden of being a romance reader is that you want a HEA by any means necessary....even if you aren't totally sure the couple should really be together. That's how I feel after having read Burden of Love. This is one of those stories where you not only have suspend your beliefs but also your morals. The attorney falls for a morally grey detective who is lead on the opposing side in her first major case? While Lady Luck is not on Talia's side we are left to wonder if the scales will eventually balance out? As the reader, I get to be the judge, jury and the executioner....

Although I struggled with a good portion of this relationship, I think Mya did a great job of creating a challenging premise with the complexity between Talia and Maddox. Given how they first meet each other, it's understandable why real names and career fields wouldn't be exchanged. However I'm with Talia's friend Mo, you've got to be the world's worst attorney if you never think to question his last name before driving 5 hours and hitching your wagon to his. If you don't raise your antennas and tune in! Tis is true what they say, ignorance is really bliss.

Also there is no way alls well that ends well like that.... Esq. Stephen Tate didn't blow a gasket, Diablo ain't raining hell on earth and the force doesn't have your days numbered. In my Cardi B voice,, "that's suspicious". This is where I say suspend your beliefs because the goal is romance not reality. Be glad that you get to see unconditional love by a parent and that a black gets to turn his life around.

Thank you, Black Odyssey Media, for the digital arc.

This was a decent read. I think the spice between Talia and Maddox was very well done. I did feel like something was missing from my connection to the characters and wanted a little more personal depth from the charcaters outside of their physical encounters. I enjoyed the suspense and was very curious about how the case would turn out and how their families would mesh together if they decided to move forward. I really loved that Talia prioritized her career and wasn't willing to compromise on that, especially after all the hard work she's completed to be where she is. I loved that Maddox fell and fell hard and was willing to get right to have the woman of his dreams.

Talia has just graduated from law school, passed her bar exam, and secured a job at her father’s law firm. Her sole goal for her life has been go work at the family law firm that he grandfather started. She hasn’t really had any serious relationships. Whenever she needs male companionship, she uses a discreet dating app. Her rule is that she only sees each guy once.

Maddox is a police officer who has worked his way up in the department. He became a police officer as a result of seeing his best friend die in front of him from a gun shot wound. Because of his focus on his career (since he is the provider for his mother, who is an amputee, and his sister, who is a single mother) he doesn’t have time for romantic entanglements. He also uses the discrete dating app when he needs companionship. He has a similar rule of never bedding the same woman twice. Both characters also use other names when meeting up with their “dates.”

I liked how the relationship started and the chemistry between the characters. They quickly decide that they want to continue their relationship, but they aren’t ready to disclose their identities yet.

I like the story line with the first big criminal case that Talia gets to work on…but then everything goes downhill.

I HATE that Maddox is a dirty cop. I understand why he did it, but I don’t like that story line AT ALL. What I disliked the most was how Maddox was able to easily broker a deal with a drug dealer that allowed him to keep his life and lifestyle….don’t see that as realistic. On top of that Talia just accepts the situation, also not realistic. I liked the premise of the love story, but disliked the dirty cop angle.

I liked the plot and pacing. This story had great potential. I unfortunately did not like the dialogue; certain words seemed out of place or unrealistic for a contemporary black romance. I also could not, for the life if me, like the main characters or feel that they were genuine. I especially disliked the MMC Matt. Talia also had a giant chip on her shoulder that was absolutely unnecessary; declaring repeatedly that she was not a nepo-baby at her father’s law firm can get tiring after a while.

This was a good read. It started a little slow for me but it picked up a bit after a while. The storyline itself was entertaining. I love legal dramas on tv and I enjoyed reading one just the same. There was a lot of real, raw emotions.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This read had me on edge, because it deals with a case that I've seen too much of in the news. Before starting your read, please read Mrs. Mya's trigger warning.

I liked seeing a behind the scenes of a trial, showcasing both the defense and the side of the opposition through the MCs.

Both MCs got on my nerves somewhat, the FMC because of her singlemindedness and the MMC because of his hypocrisy.

Thankfully Mrs. Mya resolved the issues in a way that left me content.

This is a great read for those who love indie romance! The story has a bit of suspense and intrigue mixed in with this love story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for this read. These books do not fail and this one surely didn’t. Sorry for my late review but I just didn’t put it in on time....my apologies. This was a good read. I liked it from start to finish!

so…what do you get when you mix these things (plus a whole lot more lol) together? 👀

* Black romance
* scandal
* attorney x detective
* forbidden love
* discreet dating app
* ✨spicy✨ scenes

let me tell you…you get Burden of Love baby!! now out by the amazing Mya…check this book out when you can for all the feels, all the fluff, and definitely all the spice. all of everything shoot lol. no but seriously, dive into this love story and learn more about those other things I mentioned up there too 🤭

Love on Trial! This was a story of justice and love. Both Maddox and Talia met under interesting circumstances and immediately were thrown into whether their love or justice would come first. I enjoyed this story

Talia and Maddox are both two workaholics that meet thru a dating app just for an intimate night. Yet after that night they both know that they want more & want to trust the process to see where things go. Drama ensues when they both discover each others real name & careers because Maddox is the head detective on the case that Talia is a defense lawyer for. I thought this was an alright read because the beginning really grabs you (the crime) & the plot was super interesting. But this book seemed to slow down so much & then felt really rushed at the end. Also a lawyer dating someone for months & doesn’t know his last name or occupation seemed so off to me. I still think that plenty will find this book entertaining & enjoy a solid romance & crime read. Thankful for a complimentary copy for my honest review.

This book was cute. We meet Talia who is fresh out of her internship at her father’s law firm & in her first year in her “big girl job”. Maddox is a detective for HPD who is known for being a hard ass & getting cases solved.

What was to be a one night stand turned into a whirlwind romance that soon comes tumbling down when reality shines its pretty little light on their fantasies. This book was like a feel good kind of book. A lawyer & a detective have no business with each other & yet, their souls yearned for each other.

I loved how Maddox always stood on business about his love for Talia. He knew she was meant to be his. I think Talia’s fears were well founded, but she was stubborn as a mule.

I would read from this author again!

This is my first read by author Mya, and I’m blown away! She gave me all the feels: left me speechless, angry, sad, excited. You know, like that feeling when your stomach drops on a roller coaster? Burden of Love is exactly that: an emotional roller coaster. It not only touches on Maddox and Talia’s “hook-up” from a dating app, their conflicting careers… (can a cop date a lawyer without it causing chaos in their relationship?) But I digress, it also touched on “real time” current social justice issues that our community sees on a regular basis. The drama, dialog and scenes were realistic, and again, this book gave me allllll the feels!!!!!! I was hooked from the first page to the very last. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author

I absolutely love this story this is my first read from this author and I definitely won’t be my last the pace of this story was so good I love the character development and I wanted a little more. I will definitely read anything that this author has written her catalogue will hate to see me coming thank you for this beautiful book. I enjoyed every moment of it.

Lawyer Talia Tate and Detective Mattox Reed come head-to-head at the front of a major controversial trial.

Behind closed doors, prior to the trial, Talia and Mattox discreetly met one another and had an instant connection without reveling what they each do for work. Come to find out, they are at the opposite ends of the law! How is this going to work? Can the relationship survive or Will the burden of love be too hard to bear for them?

The plot is very engaging and I ate this book right up in anticipation on how things would work out. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and loved the spice. Definitely interested in reading more by this author.

Maddox, an HPD detective and Talia an up and coming Attorney meet on a hookup app. The one-nighter turns into something neither of them expected. Talia makes Maddox question some decisions he has made while on the force. Talia learns a career can be lonely without ❤️ in your life. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review..