SKU: 70550320442

Midnight "Don't Judge Me" Ruiz

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Midnight "Don't Judge Me" RuizNow Available for Presale! Midnight Dont Judge Me Ruiz This graphic novel tells the true story of Midnight, an abandoned pit bull type dog, who wound up at Philadelphias crowded open intake animal shelter in 2019. Due to a minor nip after being adopted, Midnight is returned to the shelter and becomes at risk for euthanasia. Through Rocky like grit, hard work, and a lot of help from his friends, Midnight goes the distance with his demons and learns to

Now Available for Presale!

Midnight “Don’t Judge Me” Ruiz

This graphic novel tells the true story of Midnight, an abandoned pit bull-type dog, who wound up at Philadelphia’s crowded open-intake animal shelter in 2019. Due to a minor nip after being adopted, Midnight is returned to the shelter and becomes at-risk for euthanasia. Through Rocky-like grit, hard work, and a lot of help from his friends, Midnight goes the distance with his demons and learns to love again.  
 
Written and illustrated by animal advocates S. J. Russell and Anne Koszalka, this graphic novel features the gruff, endearing Philadelphia dialect spoken by the two central dog characters, Midnight and Mister. 
 
Anne Koszalka is a Philadelphia potter and artist. (Believe it or not, each of the hundreds of illustrations in the book began as a ceramic tile: each tile was shaped, etched, painted, and then fired in a kiln before being photographed and incorporated into the design.) 
 
Midnight “Don’t Judge Me” Ruiz is a modern-day Rocky story—and highlights the struggle of underdogs labeled "pit bulls," who enter municipal shelters in droves. These dogs are too often unfairly judged based on their looks, and not on their unique personalities. The underlying message conveyed through a couple of witty pure Phillybreds, is that all dogs, like people, are individuals. 
 
Through humor and unvarnished realism, this graphic novel lends authentic insight into the challenges faced by open-admission shelters in cities across the nation. It also shows that everyone plays a role in saving the lives of these worthy animals by making adoption a first option. Above all, this is a story about hope. 

Early Praise for Midnight "Don't Judge Me" Ruiz

"The hundreds of illustrations (which all began as etched ceramic tiles) give the work a unique, decidedly organic feel—[Anne] Koszalka does an impressive job of conveying a wide scope of emotions (fear, anger, despair, joy) through her art. But the real power here is the narrative, which pulls no punches and is based on a true story. . . .

Exploring a serious issue with compassion and humor, this story should appeal to both animal lovers and Philly residents."

— KIRKUS REVIEWS

“An equally funny, yet heart-wrenching graphic novel that captures the fear, trauma, heartbreak, and love that comes with the work of trying to save at-risk dogs living in open-access shelters. The beguiling words and illustrations also capture the City of Brotherly Love perfectly. It's impossible to read Russell's book without falling in love with Midnight and pitbulls like him everywhere. In a word, Midnight 'Don't Judge Me' Ruiz is jawn.” 

—Ellen Lebrecque, New York Times Bestselling Author

"I loved it so much. I was laughing one minute and crying the next. Midnight 'Don’t Judge Me' Ruiz" is such a unique and creative way of storytelling for such a serious subject as the challenges and realities facing homeless pets and those who care for them in animal shelters. Author, Susan Russell, and artist, Anne Koszalka, have teamed up with help from their talented friends to bring Midnight’s Philly-flavored story to the pages of this beautifully crafted book. We have to keep telling the stories and making the voices of the voiceless heard if something is going to change. Their lives matter and their special someone is out there waiting to hear their stories. Together we can make the changes necessary to save their lives.
 
—Captain Tawny Hammond, Director of No-Kill Advancement at Best Friends Animal Society

"A heartwarming story about a dog's journey to find love
Midnight 'Don't Judge Me' Ruiz is such a touching story told from the perspective of Midnight, a pit bull who's trying to understand why he keeps getting overlooked at the shelter. The way it captures his confusion and frustration as other dogs get adopted so easily while he waits, simply because he's a pit bull, really pulls at your heartstrings. The ups and downs of his journey—getting adopted and then returned because he's too excited over a new toy—feel so real and are highly emotional. By the end, when he finally finds the right home, I had tears in my eyes. This book does an amazing job showing how much every dog just wants love and a happy life, no matter what breed they are. It's a beautiful reminder to give every dog a fair chance.
 
—Anne E. Beall, PhD, Award-Winning Author of Community Cats, Heartfelt Connections, and Heroic, Helpful & Caring Cats

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SKU: 70550320442

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4.4 ★★★★★
Based on 18 reviews
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Verified Purchase
Society Rulez
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Outstanding
Format: Kindle
In my opinion, slow-burn storylines are some of the hardest to pull off. Keeping readers engaged while they wait for that pivotal moment can be a true challenge. That’s why it’s so crucial to get it right — and Outdrawn absolutely does. There wasn’t a single moment when I lost interest. The plot felt refreshing, offering a welcome break from the often-used cheating tropes that dominate many romance novels. The author also excelled in character development. We got to witness the growth of both Pastel and Sage at a pace that felt natural. Their transformation unfolded seamlessly alongside the plot, leaving us with well-rounded, multifaceted characters. One of the things I especially appreciated about this book was how the main characters remained the focus. In many stories, the supporting cast often steals the spotlight, leaving you more invested in their stories. That wasn’t the case here. While the supporting characters — coworkers, family, etc. — were well-crafted and added depth, they didn’t overshadow the protagonists. The focus remained firmly on Pastel and Sage, and that was exactly what I wanted. Outdrawn was, without a doubt, the best book I read this month. And for once, TikTok didn’t disappoint when it came to recommending sapphic romance.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2025
G
Verified Purchase
Georgette
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
A must-read for my black queer ladies
Format: Paperback
This book delivered from start to finish. As a black, queer woman, it is hard to find relatable sapphic romance novels, so I was delighted to read this one. My thoughts are below in no particular order: I loved all the cultural references and the way the author describes these beautiful characters. The author did a great job developing the characters and the storyline. The enemy to crush to lover theme was a refreshing reprieve from the typical friends to lovers storyline I see so much in sapphic romance novels. The characters are very interesting - I was glad to see the author go with comic artists rather than your typical cliche careers. Both of the main characters, Noah and Sage, have very different upbringings, and each has her own personal issues going on in the background that they have to work through. This helped a lot with character development and I felt like I really got to know these ladies. The romance scenes are spicy and I was here for it! Some authors tend to dance around the love scenes, but this author did not spare any of the sultry details, using a chapter and a half to describe one encounter. Overall, I couldn’t recommend this book enough. It had me turning the pages all weekend long!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024
K
Karin
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Sapphic Yearning at Its Best
Format: Paperback
4.5⭐️ rounded up Set in the same world as Rebekah Faubion’s debut THE LOVERS, we follow Cadence Connelly, park ranger and daughter of the enigmatic Madame Moira, as she finds out that her too-wild-to-be-tamed mother is getting married after only knowing the man for a few months. She travels home for the first time in years in an attempt to save the man from what she believes to be a con, only to find herself entranced by the man’s daughter, Sydney Sinclair. Sydney is also wildly suspicious of the engagement as she believed herself to be incredibly close with her father and it came as a complete surprise. The pair enter in a scheme to get to the bottom of the whirlwind engagement, but the chemistry between them may prove to be more of a distraction than they originally believed. It is not a secret that I was deeply obsessed with Rebekah Faubion’s debut and I’m happy to report that that love carries into her sophomore novel—no slump here! Returning to this very contemporary world that is coated in the mystical was like coming home. The love and care Rebekah gave her debut continues to shine as she tells Cadence and Sydney’s story and allowed me to immediately become attached to them. It’s clear from the start that these two women carry trauma from their childhood, but they have been wildly independent as they’ve grown up. The chemistry between them is constantly sizzling just under the surface and it is everything I could have asked for when I think of sapphic yearning. Cadence as a character stood out to me especially as a fellow daughter who felt like their mother controlled many aspects of her life. While our worlds are incredibly different, I felt every part of Cadence’s journey through the story—with the way she felt the need to run away and rebel against Moira to the eventual (if still slightly strained) acceptance of her behavior. If you’ve read THE LOVERS, you’ll be happy to see a few familiar faces return to the page as happy and in love as they were when we left them. I had a deep hope that we’d get a cameo or two, but it was still a pleasant surprise to actually see it happen. And the way Rebekah was able to weave them into the actual plot of this standalone story is masterful, allowing new readers and old alike to experience the story in much the same way. And, of course, we can’t not talk about Chicken. Chicken is perfect and wonderful and stole the show. He is living his best life and making us all fall in love with him from start to finish. We stan Chicken. Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2025
C
Chenoa
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Tender, sexy, and a little magical in the best way
Format: Paperback, Format: Paperback
I think I just found a new favorite author because The Sun and the Moon by Rebekah Faubion had me hooked. Cadence and Sydney’s parents suddenly get engaged after just a few months of dating and neither of them are thrilled. Cadence’s estranged mother is a well known psychic who once told her exactly how she’d meet her soulmate… and meeting Sydney feels way too familiar. Sydney’s close to her dad and skeptical of this fast moving relationship. The two of them team up to figure out what their parents are hiding, and the deeper they dig, the stronger the tension between them becomes. Oh and how can I forget the one bed scene I loved the partners-in-crime vibe, the bisexual rep, and the immediate chemistry between Cadence and Sydney. Their chemistry felt natural — flirty, sweet, and emotionally rich in a way that made me root for them instantly. The banter had me smiling, blushing and I loved how they challenged each other while still offering comfort and understanding. Plus? Sydney’s a pilot. Cadence is a park ranger. The vibes are IMMACULATE. ⭐️ 4.5 stars This book completely delivered. If you love queer romance with emotional depth, a little mystery, and characters that feel real, add this to your TBR immediately.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2025
F
FranJessca @ A Book Lovin Mama's Blog
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 4
4-stars: 'The Sun and the Moon' by Rebekah Faubion
Format: Kindle, Format: Kindle
I enjoyed reading The Lovers last year and was eager to read Rebekah’s new book, The Sun and the Moon. Gorgeous covers always draw me in, and both books have stunning designs. After reading the synopsis, I knew I would enjoy this one. I love stories where opposites attract and soulmates are destined to meet. I loved getting to know Cadence and Sydney as they met at their parents’ engagement party. Cadence doesn’t have a close relationship with her mother, but she tries to find out if her mom is up to no good. She meets Sydney, whose father is marrying Cadence’s mother. Sydney is curious about her father’s quick engagement and agrees to help Cadence uncover the truth and possibly stop the wedding. As they spend time together, their undeniable connection grows, suggesting their meeting was fate. I enjoyed this Sapphic Romance and its engaging storyline. The chemistry between Cadence and Sydney was enthralling. I understood both characters’ skepticism about their parents’ wedding. Cadence’s concerns about her mother felt clear, and while investigating, she also becomes protective when it comes to her mother’s business. I understood Sydney, too, who simply wants to protect her father, whom she admires. Both struggle with their parents getting married at first, but ultimately become closer to each other and their parents as truths are revealed. The book focuses heavily on Cadence’s mother, sometimes overshadowing other elements. Still, I enjoyed the soulmates storyline between Cadence and Sydney. Overall, this book earns four stars from me, and I look forward to reading more by Rebekah Faubion. Single/Dual POV: Dual POV. Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you like Sapphic Romance with two FMCs who are opposites and destined to meet, I definitely recommend The Sun and The Moon. What to Expect: ✓Sapphic Romance ✓Opposites Attract ✓One Bed ✓Soulmates
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Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2025

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