Kitsune Kisses

Three romantic short reads by Amazon best-selling author Patricia Kiyono, bringing Japanese mythology to life in modern-day America

Protecting the Pack: Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox. Legend has it that certain magical foxes are able to transform into other living beings, especially human women. As the fox ages, it grows extra tails, up to nine. Extra tails are regarded as a sign of increased wisdom and power.

Kitty is a kitsune who's just gotten her second tail. In her human form by day, she's a caretaker at a wildlife sanctuary, returning to her daughter and the other animals at night as a red fox. She doesn't expect to fall in love until she meets Bill, a photographer with sea-blue eyes that remind her of the island nation she left behind.

Tanuki Trouble: The video game Mario Cart includes a character called Tanooki, a raccoon-like creature. He's based on a real animal called a tanuki. Since they are an invasive species and can't be domesticated, it is illegal to own them in America, although a few reside in zoos. In Japanese legend, the tanuki are shape-shifters who cause mischief. They often wear a straw hat, which is a symbol of protection against bad luck and trouble.

When Marty must take a road trip from West Michigan to Branson, MO to save his family farm, Ross and Jack tag along to help, while Ava is escaping from her abusive father. Ross sees the truth before Marty and Ava - they were meant to be together. But what can a tanuki do to help?

Tea Time: In the Japanese legend of tsukumogami, items that have existed for 100 years become sentient. They sprout arms and legs and become mobile, and are able to talk. An online search shows pictures of walking umbrellas, cooking utensils, and items of clothing. Most of the time, they too cause mischief.

Shy and introverted Mindy is a graduate student at Michigan State who inherited her Japanese grandmother's beautiful old tea set. When she meets Rob, her outgoing next-door neighbor, the teapot and cups decide to help the relationship along.