Set against the backdrop of the ancient Roman city of Chester, England, Robin T. Shea's latest novel, Parallels, is a complex story of human frailties and foibles. Sam Black is a successful businessman who has become ensnared in an intimate relationship with his personal assistant. Beautiful, but volatile Iraqi-born Karima Bahanyha will do anything to protect Sam, the love of her life, including murder. To complicate matters, Sam is in love with Jane, the wife of his Marketing Manager, Alan Murby, an alcoholic, bent on self-destruction. He lies to everyone-his boss, his family, and himself, pretending that his addiction in non-existent. Sam's best friend, John Wright, a married man with two children, is diagnosed with terminal cancer, but despite the poor prognosis, he fights with every ounce of his failing strength to beat the odds and survive. He is greatly admired by all who know him for his courage and fortitude in a life-and-death battle. A man of great compassion, Sam attempts to help both Alan and John whilst trying to unravel his own entanglements.