Madison Lawhon, the American original who is the heroine of California writer Cynthia Borris's first novel, No More Bobs, not only dances provocatively around thong in hand but guides us through a comic maze inhabited by an intriguing cast of wacky characters, including determined playboys, inept stalkers, and psychic donut makers.

Add a dash of weird science and some freaky frogs into this mix set in the mythical city of Pelican Point, California, and the result is tour de force of frolic and fun in the life of a woman with a "Bob problem."

You see, Madison is a writer and single mom who has dated some seven Bobs in her quest for possible connubial bliss. Unfortunately, every toad of a date she kisses gives a raspy croak and never changes into Prince Charming.

Madison's mother, a well-meaning woman of faith, prays and asks God for a man for Madison - one not named Bob. When a psychic donut maker lands on her doorstep, Madison decides God isn't listening. Meanwhile, her mother's wayward prayer gains strength, as soon, a stranger and potential love interest, Jack Graham, arrives in town.

However, there is interference in Madison's life in the form of Philip Bentley, Madison's former lover, the town playboy and a man of charm, intelligence and power. He is used to getting what he wants--until he tangles with Madison that is. He is determined to win her back and funds a secret project to produce a designer aphrodisiac which he hopes, will put Madison in his power.

Naturally, a true aphrodisiac does not remain secret for very long. Enter an assortment of characters as mangy as Isabelle, the harlot cat with half a tail, all looking to share that love potion at any cost. The resulting web of plot entanglements is hilarious indeed.

Ms. Borris's novel proves the axiom that the most successful stories derive theme and plot from character, of which she is a master. I cannot help but admire the subtle ear for dialogue and attention to detail and situation with which she creates her memorable characters:

Madison, remember Pete Jorgenson from the accident earlier today?

He was handsomer out of uniform and Madison felt a flirtatious smile creeping at the corners of her lips and her voice drop an octave into sweet foolishness. What was she thinking? She wasn't on the prowl. Still it never hurt to practice. She eased slowly down to the chair and noticed Denny lift a brow in her direction. The man knew her too well.

She stuck out her tongue and whispered to her proclaimed guardian, "It's my life.

No More Bobs is a quick-paced, lighthearted comedy filled with complicated twists and turns. Page after page the reader is drawn into Madison's chaotic world and into the mystery and secret shrouding Pelican Point.

What I like about this book is that unlike so many slice-of-life stories, No More Bobs is really funny! And not just funny either, but full of interesting characters and quirky plot turns.

In reading the novel, I found myself completely engrossed in the characters and their movements in this rather intricate and hilarious story. Since Ms. Borris has fleshed out Madison into a truly three-dimensional character, I gained much insight into some of the more tantalizing aspects of the feminine psyche. I also found myself empathizing (from a male perspective) with Madison's desire to be a successful writer and have successful relationships.

Cynthia Borris has the gift of a true comic imagination. To my delight, I find that she also has the even rarer gift to create believable characters who dance so gracefully to the music of her marvelous comedy.

Editor's Notes: You can read an excerpt from No More Bobs here.

No More Bobs is available at bookstores. You can order it through Amazon.com (Click any Amazon link following the article or through Barnes and Noble).