What do you think?
Rate this book
The Night Butcher
Armaleigh, a compassionate nurse with a heart of gold, and Kohen, a tough-as-nails detective, share a deep, unspoken bond that traces back ten years to a fateful night at a bar in Yuma, AZ. Since then, their connection has remained a quiet, untapped promise—until now.
When Kohen is assigned to the case of the elusive serial killer known only as "The Night Butcher," everything changes. Women with an eerie resemblance to Armaleigh are being targeted, and soon, the line between case and personal becomes dangerously blurred. With Armaleigh's life on the line and the killer always one step ahead, Kohen must confront not only the dark shadows of his investigation but the unacknowledged feelings he's harbored for her all these years.
Together, they must unravel a twisted puzzle that draws closer to home than either of them ever expected. In a race against time, will they give in to the passion they've long denied, or will the Night Butcher take what he believes is his—leaving their love forever unspoken?
When Kohen is assigned to the case of the elusive serial killer known only as "The Night Butcher," everything changes. Women with an eerie resemblance to Armaleigh are being targeted, and soon, the line between case and personal becomes dangerously blurred. With Armaleigh's life on the line and the killer always one step ahead, Kohen must confront not only the dark shadows of his investigation but the unacknowledged feelings he's harbored for her all these years.
Together, they must unravel a twisted puzzle that draws closer to home than either of them ever expected. In a race against time, will they give in to the passion they've long denied, or will the Night Butcher take what he believes is his—leaving their love forever unspoken?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2025
About the author
J.J. Johnson
2 books36 followersJ. J. "Joleen" Johnson is an American Indie author who loves writing raw, emotional, and deeply personal stories. Her work often explores healing, resilience, and the quiet strength found in survival.
She lives in Arizona with her husband, son, and their four beloved dogs. When she's not writing, you can find her curled up with a good book, sipping on Dutch Bros, or spending quality time with her friends and family,
Joleen writes from the heart and hopes her words find a place in yours.
She lives in Arizona with her husband, son, and their four beloved dogs. When she's not writing, you can find her curled up with a good book, sipping on Dutch Bros, or spending quality time with her friends and family,
Joleen writes from the heart and hopes her words find a place in yours.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 6, 2025
The Night Butcher had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! Armaleigh is a badass who isn't going to let anything slow her down! Just when I thought i had something figured out, the book showed me that I, in fact, didn't know anything. I felt every emotion from happiness to sadness to anger. By the end of this book I was sweating, my jaw was on the floor, and my heart was in my butt! If you never read another book read this one!
June 6, 2025
This isn’t just a thriller. This isn’t just a romance. It’s a story about surviving the unthinkable, about healing through the deepest pain, and about a love so fierce it refuses to be forgotten.
This book completely gutted me—in the best possible way. I laughed. I cried. I felt everything. There’s a rawness to this story that doesn’t hold back—especially when it comes to trauma and resilience.
The story follows Armaleigh, a strong and compassionate nurse whose quiet life takes a horrifying turn when she becomes the target of a serial killer known as the Night Butcher. As bodies begin to appear with haunting similarities to her, the tension builds into a chilling and relentless chase. The few chapters told from the Night Butcher’s POV are downright disturbing. They’re creepy, eerie, and give you a terrifying look inside the mind of a true psychopath. You learn just how twisted, calculated, and unhinged he really is.
I felt deeply connected to Armaleigh. Her resilience, her pain, and her quiet strength as she rebuilt herself after trauma felt real. Her mental health journey was raw, powerful, and never glossed over—it was something I genuinely appreciated and related to.
And then there’s Kohen Masters. Oh, Kohen. 🥵 He is everything. He’s the kind of protective, emotionally-intense, fiercely loyal man who radiates that “touch her and die” energy—and I was here for every second of it. He reminded me so much of my husband that his presence in the story hit even harder.
Their love is a slow burn—and I mean SLOOOWWW burn—but when that tension finally breaks? Whew. 🔥🔥
Chapter 18 and the ending wrecked me emotionally. I had to sit in silence afterward, just holding the book and processing what JJ Johnson had done to my heart. It was beautiful and devastating—even if I wasn’t ready for it. The story perfectly balances suspense and emotion. The serial killer plot is tense and expertly crafted, and it’s woven seamlessly into a deeply emotional romance that left me breathless.
JJ Johnson, I’ll be reading everything you write—even if you break my heart again. 💔✨
Some of my favorite quotes:
"You light a dark corner inside of me, one I thought long ago was dead."
"I don't want anyone to feel guilty for me, nor do I want anyone to look at me with pity. Yes, I did survive an attack, and yes, I was a victim. But I am no longer a victim. I am a survivor. I lived. I am strong."
"I know we've sailed dangerously close to lust island, and while I'd love nothing more than to get lost in the wreckage, I need to steer this ship back on course."
"That's my pretty girl. I'm so fucking proud of you. I always knew you were strong and capable before I even knew what you went through, Leigh. I'm in awe of you for what you did to survive, how you fought back. You didn't lie down and take it—you gave as good as you got."
"That right there shows the type of woman you are and always have been. I love you so fucking much, Armaleigh. God damn, pretty girl."
"I feel home."
"Eyes on me. I got you, pretty girl."
This book completely gutted me—in the best possible way. I laughed. I cried. I felt everything. There’s a rawness to this story that doesn’t hold back—especially when it comes to trauma and resilience.
The story follows Armaleigh, a strong and compassionate nurse whose quiet life takes a horrifying turn when she becomes the target of a serial killer known as the Night Butcher. As bodies begin to appear with haunting similarities to her, the tension builds into a chilling and relentless chase. The few chapters told from the Night Butcher’s POV are downright disturbing. They’re creepy, eerie, and give you a terrifying look inside the mind of a true psychopath. You learn just how twisted, calculated, and unhinged he really is.
I felt deeply connected to Armaleigh. Her resilience, her pain, and her quiet strength as she rebuilt herself after trauma felt real. Her mental health journey was raw, powerful, and never glossed over—it was something I genuinely appreciated and related to.
And then there’s Kohen Masters. Oh, Kohen. 🥵 He is everything. He’s the kind of protective, emotionally-intense, fiercely loyal man who radiates that “touch her and die” energy—and I was here for every second of it. He reminded me so much of my husband that his presence in the story hit even harder.
Their love is a slow burn—and I mean SLOOOWWW burn—but when that tension finally breaks? Whew. 🔥🔥
Chapter 18 and the ending wrecked me emotionally. I had to sit in silence afterward, just holding the book and processing what JJ Johnson had done to my heart. It was beautiful and devastating—even if I wasn’t ready for it. The story perfectly balances suspense and emotion. The serial killer plot is tense and expertly crafted, and it’s woven seamlessly into a deeply emotional romance that left me breathless.
JJ Johnson, I’ll be reading everything you write—even if you break my heart again. 💔✨
Some of my favorite quotes:
"You light a dark corner inside of me, one I thought long ago was dead."
"I don't want anyone to feel guilty for me, nor do I want anyone to look at me with pity. Yes, I did survive an attack, and yes, I was a victim. But I am no longer a victim. I am a survivor. I lived. I am strong."
"I know we've sailed dangerously close to lust island, and while I'd love nothing more than to get lost in the wreckage, I need to steer this ship back on course."
"That's my pretty girl. I'm so fucking proud of you. I always knew you were strong and capable before I even knew what you went through, Leigh. I'm in awe of you for what you did to survive, how you fought back. You didn't lie down and take it—you gave as good as you got."
"That right there shows the type of woman you are and always have been. I love you so fucking much, Armaleigh. God damn, pretty girl."
"I feel home."
"Eyes on me. I got you, pretty girl."
June 6, 2025
What an amazing Debut novel! This book was such an amazing thrill ride. Kept you in your feels throughout the entire book. It’s so much different than the typical thriller you read and it was so good! There were a few twists and turns in this book, that nobody cld see coming. It’s emotional, thrilling and a definite page turner! I cannot wait to read more from Jolene. She’s got an amazing bright future ahead of her as an author and I’m here for every single moment of it! This book follows the FMC Armaleigh as she is trying to navigate life with her best friend kohen, they have deep feelings for each other but are both afraid to take the relationship further, for fear of losing the friendship they have created for 10 or so years. But when they realize the night butcher is after armaleigh, and kohen is trying everything in his power to protect her, things start to change for them. The torture she went through before she met kohen was horrendous and unfathomable, and when she has to bring that story out to the detectives, her world comes crashing down on her again. This book will leave you with tears in your eyes and a broken heart! It’s so good! 10/10 recommend!
November 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.5/5
This isn’t your typical thriller/suspense with some romance. No, this book goes so much deeper than being a thriller. This book will pull quite literally every emotion from you. Anger, tears and a sense of hope for the future.
This story follows Armaleigh who is a strong and passionate nurse but life throws a curve ball at her. Armaleigh is a kind soul, kind to everyone. But maybe, you shouldn’t be kind to everyone. She finds herself becoming the target of The Night Butcher who is going around and killing women, but these women look identical to Armaleigh.
You’ve got Kohen Masters who is Armaleighs best friend, for many years. But they’ve never quite crossed that line. But you mess with his pretty girl and you’ll unleash the beast inside Kohen. When, it comes between choosing his job or Armaleigh? I’ll give ya one guess what Kohen chooses.
You do get POV from The Night Butcher. Which show you inside his sick and twisted mind. But is very crucial to the story.
Armaleigh has been through hell and is stronger because of it. You’ll learn about that during Chapter 18. Have tissues near by, while I didn’t full on cry it did get me teary eyed reading her story of resilience and her strength to fight through and not give up.
This story will break your heart at the end, you’ll need tissues again but you will also admire Armaleigh and the strength and resilience she has with all she’s been through. You’ll feel a sense of hope for the future and what’s to come.
Now this is a SLOOOOOOOOW burn, but there is spice and it fit perfectly with the story and was just on time.
J.J. Johnson…. Ma’am you out did yourself with your first debut novel! Your writing is beautiful and the story you told pulled on heart strings and every emotion. You poured so much into this book and it shows. Job freaking well done ma’am!
Highly recommend picking up The Night Butcher and reading it and allowing yourself to feel every emotion that J.J. Johnson poured into these pages.
🌶️.5/5
This isn’t your typical thriller/suspense with some romance. No, this book goes so much deeper than being a thriller. This book will pull quite literally every emotion from you. Anger, tears and a sense of hope for the future.
This story follows Armaleigh who is a strong and passionate nurse but life throws a curve ball at her. Armaleigh is a kind soul, kind to everyone. But maybe, you shouldn’t be kind to everyone. She finds herself becoming the target of The Night Butcher who is going around and killing women, but these women look identical to Armaleigh.
You’ve got Kohen Masters who is Armaleighs best friend, for many years. But they’ve never quite crossed that line. But you mess with his pretty girl and you’ll unleash the beast inside Kohen. When, it comes between choosing his job or Armaleigh? I’ll give ya one guess what Kohen chooses.
You do get POV from The Night Butcher. Which show you inside his sick and twisted mind. But is very crucial to the story.
Armaleigh has been through hell and is stronger because of it. You’ll learn about that during Chapter 18. Have tissues near by, while I didn’t full on cry it did get me teary eyed reading her story of resilience and her strength to fight through and not give up.
This story will break your heart at the end, you’ll need tissues again but you will also admire Armaleigh and the strength and resilience she has with all she’s been through. You’ll feel a sense of hope for the future and what’s to come.
Now this is a SLOOOOOOOOW burn, but there is spice and it fit perfectly with the story and was just on time.
J.J. Johnson…. Ma’am you out did yourself with your first debut novel! Your writing is beautiful and the story you told pulled on heart strings and every emotion. You poured so much into this book and it shows. Job freaking well done ma’am!
Highly recommend picking up The Night Butcher and reading it and allowing yourself to feel every emotion that J.J. Johnson poured into these pages.
June 30, 2025
This was amazing, I can’t even put it into words. Every page made me question everything I thought I knew. Absolutely DID NOT expect that ending. I can absolutely tell that every emotion was put into this story, it feels deeply personal and it made me feel not so alone. My lord, the way I sobbed. Then I was sweating from the spice and giggling at how freaking bad*ss Armaleigh is, I love her!
May 25, 2025
The ending made me gasp!!! Because what do you mean?!
This book had twists and turns that keeps you on your toes! There is spice but it does not over power the storyline. I was giggling and kicking my feet at the banter between the FMC and MMC!!
The authors personality shined through every single page! Although I knew who the Night Butcher was from the beginning I was NOT expecting that ending.
This book had twists and turns that keeps you on your toes! There is spice but it does not over power the storyline. I was giggling and kicking my feet at the banter between the FMC and MMC!!
The authors personality shined through every single page! Although I knew who the Night Butcher was from the beginning I was NOT expecting that ending.
May 27, 2025
Absolutely loved this one! Armaleigh was the perfect FMC. This book keeps you on your toes and you won't expect what is coming when you turn the page! This book will have you changing your mind on who you think it is every chapter!
Learning about all the things she overcame was so relatable. Be ready to go through every emotion 😭
Learning about all the things she overcame was so relatable. Be ready to go through every emotion 😭
January 21, 2026
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy of this book and I absolutely devoured it! I loved the characters, especially Leigh, whom I related to so much. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat and my emotions all over the place. Talk about a roller coaster of a story! However, I definitely feel like I would've rated it higher had it not been for the ending.
June 3, 2025
honestly this was a hard read for me but I will say the writing story telling was I felt like it was a friend sitting across from me telling me her story wanting to hold her I wanted it to end but I also didn't if that make any sense it's an amzing read but watch for possible triggers still crying😢
May 21, 2025
Okay, friends—let me just scream this from the rooftops: The Night Butcher by JJ Johnson wrecked me in the best possible way and I couldn’t put it down. If you’re into romantic thrillers that feel like a warm hug one minute and then a punch to the throat the next, you need to read this book.
But here’s the thing—this book isn’t just about romantic tension or crime-solving thrills (although there’s plenty of that, too). It’s deeply personal. JJ Johnson poured her soul into these pages and you feel that truth in every chapter. The pain, the survival, the quiet resilience—it’s not just fictional fluff. It’s real, raw, and honest.
I cried. I swooned. I clenched my jaw so tight during some scenes I think I need a mouthguard now. The emotional rollercoaster had me riding the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
If you’re looking for a book that blends heart-pounding suspense with soul-healing honesty, The Night Butcher delivers. It’s not just a story—it’s a journey. And it stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. 💔❤️🔥
10/10 recommend. Maybe keep tissues handy. And a friend to scream-text when things get intense.
But here’s the thing—this book isn’t just about romantic tension or crime-solving thrills (although there’s plenty of that, too). It’s deeply personal. JJ Johnson poured her soul into these pages and you feel that truth in every chapter. The pain, the survival, the quiet resilience—it’s not just fictional fluff. It’s real, raw, and honest.
I cried. I swooned. I clenched my jaw so tight during some scenes I think I need a mouthguard now. The emotional rollercoaster had me riding the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
If you’re looking for a book that blends heart-pounding suspense with soul-healing honesty, The Night Butcher delivers. It’s not just a story—it’s a journey. And it stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. 💔❤️🔥
10/10 recommend. Maybe keep tissues handy. And a friend to scream-text when things get intense.
June 6, 2025
Talk about a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat for the entire book. This book had me on a Rollercoaster ride from start to finish. I felt all the emotions and was left wanting…needing the next book.
Do yourself a favor and read this book.
If you have triggers check out the book triggers and author's note.
“This book was soooo good, yall!”-Laur3n_BookMom
Do yourself a favor and read this book.
If you have triggers check out the book triggers and author's note.
“This book was soooo good, yall!”-Laur3n_BookMom
September 21, 2025
This book was actually a 3.5 for me! I figured out who the Night Butcher was from the FMC’s first encounter with him in the book. For this to be the Authors first book though, I can’t wait to read more by her and see how she evolves!
June 7, 2025
From the very first chapter, The Night Butcher hooks you with a mix of dark suspense and slow-burning romance that refuses to let go. The chemistry between Kohen and Armaleigh simmers on every page, and the emotional tension between them is just as gripping as the hunt for the killer. Watching them navigate the blurred line between duty and desire was heartbreaking and satisfying all at once. The twists come fast and hard, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story rips the ground out from under you. It’s poetic in places, brutal in others, and always deeply immersive. This book felt like I was reading someone documentary not to mention this is her debut book I would have never guessed that while reading .
If you love:
• A slow-burn romance with emotional depth
• Edge-of-your-seat thriller energy
• Haunted detectives and dangerous obsessions
Then The Night Butcher needs to be on your TBR.
It’s a story about more than catching a killer—it’s about finally facing the truth you’ve buried deep. And the ending? Let’s just say you’ll feel it in your chest for days.
Tropes:
Grump x Sunshine
• Forced Proximity
•Dark Romantic Suspense
• Serial Killer Mystery
• Touch Her and Die
• Protective MMC
• Slow Burn
• Past meets Present
If you love:
• A slow-burn romance with emotional depth
• Edge-of-your-seat thriller energy
• Haunted detectives and dangerous obsessions
Then The Night Butcher needs to be on your TBR.
It’s a story about more than catching a killer—it’s about finally facing the truth you’ve buried deep. And the ending? Let’s just say you’ll feel it in your chest for days.
Tropes:
Grump x Sunshine
• Forced Proximity
•Dark Romantic Suspense
• Serial Killer Mystery
• Touch Her and Die
• Protective MMC
• Slow Burn
• Past meets Present
June 5, 2025
Okay, fantastic debut novel!
This book had me hooked from the start. A fast read, that keeps you wanting to know what happens next. I was rooting for the FMC and MMC to get together at the start. I love the love that they have fore each other.
That ending ?!? Wow! For sure not what I was thinking was going to happen. 😳
This book had me hooked from the start. A fast read, that keeps you wanting to know what happens next. I was rooting for the FMC and MMC to get together at the start. I love the love that they have fore each other.
That ending ?!? Wow! For sure not what I was thinking was going to happen. 😳
May 30, 2025
This book took me on a emotional roller coaster that I was sad to leave. The interconnected lives of Armaliegh and The night butcher had me turning the page and not wanting to put it down!
Romantic suspense/thrillers are becoming a new favorite sub genre for me! The raw depiction of DV, trauma and love had me so oh my feels in the best possible way!
Romantic suspense/thrillers are becoming a new favorite sub genre for me! The raw depiction of DV, trauma and love had me so oh my feels in the best possible way!
August 17, 2025
JJ definitely has the ability to be a great thriller writer! I enjoy this book very much and waiting to see what else she can come up with! Great debut novel!! Highly highly surprised
June 4, 2025
From the very first page, this gripped me by the heart and didn’t let go. It’s rare for a thriller to balance pulse pounding suspense with such emotional depth but this one absolutely delivers. The twists came when I least expected them, and just when I thought I had things figured out, the story pulled the rug out from under me. If you love thrillers with heart, soul, and a badass lead who reclaims her power, this one is a must read!!
June 7, 2025
Armaleigh is a nurse and Kohen's a detective. They met 10 years ago in a bar and became friends. Now Kohen is a assigned to a case involving a serial killer called "The Night Butcher" and the victims closely resemble Armaleigh.
This was a really good book. It is a romantic suspense. There was some moments that I didn't see some things coming. The ending and me shocked and jaw dropped.
This has the main charcters POV and also The Night Butcher's POV. I liked seeing the POV from the killer.
I liked seeing the relationship between Kohen and Leigh.
This was a really good book. It is a romantic suspense. There was some moments that I didn't see some things coming. The ending and me shocked and jaw dropped.
This has the main charcters POV and also The Night Butcher's POV. I liked seeing the POV from the killer.
I liked seeing the relationship between Kohen and Leigh.
May 29, 2025
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire read!! And that ending?! What?! J.J Johnson paced this book so perfectly. I could literally FEEL the tension as it was happening on the pages! I loved seeing all the spirals armaleigh and kohens relationship took. This book is definitely a MUST read!!
June 8, 2025
OMG!!!! I can’t even think of what I just read! This book literally kept me on my toes the whole time!!!! One of my favorite reads!!! A love like Ko and Leigh is a must!!!! Leigh going through everything she went through at times had me in tears!!!! Will definitely be recommending this book for everyone!!!
May 26, 2025
I was so connected to these characters and this love story. I cried so hard at the end I needed a box of tissues. Amazing job to this indie author!
June 3, 2025
An amazing read. This was a thriller and I couldn't put the book down. If you don't like thrillers this book will change your mind!
June 5, 2025
This thriller was emotional, surprising, and fast paced. Kohen and Armaleigh had great chemistry and I was happy to see them finally get together. My heart goes out to Armaleigh, who had endured so much. The twists and the ending really surprised me.
March 15, 2026
I want to say JJ Johnson did not disappoint. The story li e, the slow burn, the chemistry… Late entering characters with plot twists. But the ending had me gasping, crying and wanting to scream. (Luckily, I remembered I was on an airplane). I did not see the ending coming. I’ve heard rumors there maybe a follow up. I will most definitely be purchasing it when it comes out.
August 8, 2025
omg omg omg
This book is freaking amazing! I did NOT want to put it down once i picked it up! The book flowed so well together. If u like a thriller with a lil bit of romance then this is the book for u! I love her writing style because it caught u and pulled you in! Please help an author out and get this book! Oh my god! Everyone needs someone to love them as much he loves her!!!
This book is freaking amazing! I did NOT want to put it down once i picked it up! The book flowed so well together. If u like a thriller with a lil bit of romance then this is the book for u! I love her writing style because it caught u and pulled you in! Please help an author out and get this book! Oh my god! Everyone needs someone to love them as much he loves her!!!
December 29, 2025
I started reading this morning, and from the very first page, I was completely hooked—I couldn’t put the book down! It has hilarious moments, sarcasm, and I absolutely love the characters.
March 9, 2026
this book is sooo good but I love how Ko lovers her!
July 31, 2025
I liked the story. There was some POV that didn't line up and some redundant spots but if this author keeps writing I feel she will only get better. As she does she could very much pull feelings like Colleen Hoover. Keep writing because you have solid fundamentals!
August 1, 2025
This book has it all, friends to lovers, a serial unaliver, intrigue, secrets, and an ending that will leave you all in your feelings. I 100% recommend this traumance thriller!
February 16, 2026
OML, this book was such a page turner! I seriously couldn't stop reading it...start to finish in about 36 hours, give or take!!! This slow burn, twisty, romantic, captivating thriller had me at every turn. I absolutely loved it....it will break your heart in the end but also slow it back together "at least a little". So many things happened I did not see coming and I loved that so much! ♡
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews