The parallel plots drew me in, though I have no idea how they will connect. Same time frame? A generation apart? My curiosity is piqued and I also get the feeling that this will not all end well. There is a sense of foreboding in both stories, even though one seems just a tad lighter than the other. But there are hints of jealousy, betrayal, misplaced love--almost from the beginning. Austin and Portland are miles apart, but somehow they will be connected by the end of the book. That's plenty of suspense for me.