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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4.1 ★★★★★
Based on 10 reviews
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Verified Purchase
Robin
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 4
Fast paced romantasy you will not want to put down!
Format: Kindle
4.25 stars! I LOVED this book with similar vibes to Hush Hush, Fourth Wing, and The Serpent and the Wings of Night! It was fast paced with easy world building and will keep you turning the pages late into the night because you will not want to put it down! Huntyr is a fierce bad@ss FMC trained to kill vampyres her entire life. She is sent on a mission to go to the academy and earn her spot into The Golden City. Upon arrival, she is forced to room with the delicious fallen angel, Wolf, who is the only one who knows about her assassin identity. The romance, the plot twists, the secrets revealed, the battles, and the tantalizing training scenes had me hooked! And that ending…. I’m holding my breath in need to know hell! Read if you love: 🪽 Fae, Vampyres, Fallen Angels 🪽 Academy setting with magical trials 🪽 Forced proximity and slow burn 🪽 Rivals to lovers 🪽 Hidden identities and secrets 🪽 Tend your wounds “𝘖𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥.” “𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘴, 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘴𝘬.” “𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘴, 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2024
B
Verified Purchase
Bernadette Smith
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent Rivals to Lovers!!
Format: Kindle
The tension and banter between Huntyr and Wold was delectable. I absolutely love the fallen angel and all of his flaws. Huntyr is amazing too being a badass FMC with some major trauma. The world building was great and I enjoyed the training aspect of the story. The writing was immersive and was in the story the whole time. The ending had quite a twist that I hadn’t anticipated and made my jaw DROP. Excellent job! I also loved the narration. Laura is one of my fave narrators!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2025
E
Verified Purchase
❈ Elizabeth ❈ | Breakawayreads
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Fallen Angels, fae, vampires, oh my!
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4.5 | Spice: 2 (but a good slow-burn) • Main Characters: Huntyr and Wolf • I couldn’t wait to read this book; there was so much hype about it! And there was no doubt why. I fell in love with the characters and the plot itself. This book is mainly plot driven more than friction driven but it’s easy to follow along with. The characters are fun, easily understood. The main setting is at an academy where both the main characters are going through trials and building strength for the final test, The Transcendent. There are fantastic side characters as well. I loved the camaraderie between Huntyr and her friends. But we don’t like Lanson. 😆 We do have some plot twists that come into play throughout the book. Secrets and betrayal to be seen. I did adore Wolf and Huntyr’s relationship. It was a classic slow burn trope. They didn’t hit it off fast, but in time their feelings grew. I loved their banter, so sexy. Wolf is your next book boyfriend; Huntyr is your next vampire assassin independent bad-a*s female. Themes include loyalty, trust, self-discovery, a true slow burn romance. Side note: book ends on a angsty cliffhanger! • Emily, thank you for writing this awesome novel and I cannot wait to devour Book 2, Blood So Brutal! 😍 • Happy reading, my lovelies! xo
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2024
M
Verified Purchase
MelsABookworm
Boise, US
★★★★★ 4
“My heart bows to you and you only, Huntress.”
Format: Kindle
3.5 🌟 This book popped up in my KU recommended reading suggestions and the synopsis sounded like what I was in the mood for. I'm so glad I took a chance on it. I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about it and ended up really liking it. I love when this happens. The main characters are likeable and I easily found myself rooting for them. There is a mystery element to each of their backstories that I enjoyed watching unfold and can't wait to get more of. Wolf, in particular, has me fixated. Love him. I found this to be an entertaining, addictive read with a plot that moves along at a good pace. It reads so easily I found myself very reluctant to put it down. Lots of twists and turns and the angst is there. A good set up for the next book to come, for sure. My issues with this book....the dialogue feels a bit juvenile at times and there is a repetitive over use of a particular word phrasing that I found myself giving the ole eye-roll to. There are, without a doubt, some pretty cliche moments that gave me a bit of the cringe. I think this could've certainly 100% benefited from more depth regarding the world building. Perhaps the world building was sacrificed to keep the pacing quick? Just a guess. Also, the lack of consistency of character for the FMC was really evident and so she feels quite illogical at times. Overall, this was a fun and enjoyable read that hit the spot well enough for me. That ending certainly has me impatiently pining for book 2!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2024
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 3
Interesting take on the genre
Format: Kindle
True rating: 3.25 ⭐️ I enjoyed the fresh take on the genre. The best way I could describe the setting and world is an apocalyptic dystopian version of Farie where vampires, fae, and angles struggle to survive in what is left of the world. It was definitely interesting throwing the academy/hunger games aspect into this world as well. Even though I guessed the final reveal early on in the book, I kept hoping I was wrong, and it would take a surprising turn. While the "plot twists" were a bit predictable to me, I still enjoyed the ride this book took me on. Another downfall for me was the plot holes in the world building... I.E. if society has fallen and the world is in the aftermath of war, how are there trains running around the world? Just to take young adults to the trials to get into the golden city? How is the train maintained, the tracks clear, etc? However, I did enjoy the FMC & MMC and thought they were fleshed out nicely. I also enjoyed the side characters but wish some were developed more like Ashalin (sp?). I do find myself rooting for the MCs to succeed and find happiness together, which is obviously an important aspect for romantasy. Overall, was this an earth-shattering, mind-bending, terrific piece of literature? No. But was it the worst thing I've read this year? Also, no. This book has, to me, the bones of a great read & just needs a bit more to push it from an alright book to a great book. Overall ratings: Plot- 3.5⭐️ World building 3⭐️ Spice 2.5 🌶🌶 Main characters 4 ⭐️ Supporting characters 3.5⭐️
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2024

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