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Westin Pack #2

Fighting Destiny

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What happens when you choose not to accept fate?

Elise Westin is obsessed with one thing. Avoid Patrick O'Connell at all costs. She knows the handsome foreigner is her one true mate. She knows they are destined to be together. Knowing it doesn't stop her from fighting it the only way she knows how.... run and hide. But hiding from him can only last so long. Fate, with the help of her family, forces her to come face to face with him. Will she be able to confront her own fears and accept love? Or will she lose it all by fighting her own destiny?

Patrick O'Connell has given up everything. Banished from his own pack. Living in a foreign territory. He's chasing a dream that he was raised to believe doesn't exist. But he knows he's found his one true mate. She's real. One whiff of the dark-haired beauty changes the path of his life forever. With nothing else to lose, he won't stop until he finds her again. But Elise doesn't want to be found. Can he win the heart of his elusive mate? Can Patrick break down Elise's barrier of fears to find their happily ever after?

250 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2017

1785 people are currently reading
516 people want to read

About the author

Julie Trettel

90 books855 followers
Julie Trettel is a USA Today Bestselling Author of Paranormal Romance. She comes from a long line of story tellers. Writing has always been a stress reliever and escape for her to manage the crazy demands of juggling time and schedules between work and an active family of six. In her “free time,” she enjoys traveling, reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends.

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5 stars
1,282 (41%)
4 stars
1,070 (34%)
3 stars
551 (17%)
2 stars
128 (4%)
1 star
31 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
Profile Image for Cheesecake.
2,800 reviews501 followers
October 13, 2020
.
The first 30% the reader is forced to follow Elise as she jumps through windows and slinks out back doors to avoid ever meeting her true mate, Patrick.
Basically she was a coward, and she even admits it, but well, there ya go.
Patrick never seems to get pissed off about this. He gets frustrated and a wee bit sad at times.
It wasn't interesting to read about. In fact I could just as easily have been reading the directions on a macNcheese box with the same amount of enthusiasm.

Really the story didn't get interesting till 80% in.

Honestly, I'd just skip this one if I were you.
I'm sure book 3 will update you as to what you missed anyways.
But WAIT... maybe you should read it for a good laugh. 3/4 in there's the silliest paranormal creation story ever! It all ties in with Noah's ark... I kid you not...

Safety is good
I'll still read more by this author though.
Profile Image for Lexy.
1,093 reviews33 followers
February 21, 2019
Oh my God this one's a good book it only took me 2 days to finish
Profile Image for Sammy Loves Books.
1,137 reviews1,674 followers
June 3, 2022
I really wanted to like this book but the heroine really got on my last nerve!!

This would have been a solid 4 star except for the stupid heroine...so only 2.5 stars rounded up. I rounded it up because once Elise stopped running from Patrick the story turned out to be pretty good. I love the new players that helped rescue our stupid heroine. Can't wait to find out more about this group of shifter observers!
Profile Image for Deb.
1,087 reviews
September 27, 2017
Omg! Julie Trettel has done it once again :D "Fighting Destiny" is the 2nd amazing novel from the Westin Pack series, but these do not have to be read in order. However, IMO, for the best reading pleasure, you should & I am so glad that I read book #1 first, "One True Mate" coz they are both fan-freaking-tastic 6 star must reads, IMHO ;) ... This author's fresh new take on PNR shifters is da bomb & so awesomely unique, I want to live within the Westin Pack world! :D The characters are well-defined and I was so happy to see some of the recurring ones :D Wonderful descriptions and witty dialogue had me wanting to scream, laughing out loud at times, yet other times the emotional roller-coaster ride brought me to tears with moving scenes so real! From the beginning through to the end, I did not want to put this riveting book down whenever I had to! ... Even tho I volunteered to beta read this, it was without any outside influence & I honestly do recommend this to adult fans of fiction and especially those who love contemporary romantic PNR like I do :D I am so hooked & now I can't wait for more, but of course I will ;) ** 09/26/17 Bought my own kindle book to keep forever :D **
Profile Image for Beyond the Pages with Eva K.
2,922 reviews162 followers
November 12, 2023
Quick Summary: A wolf clan romance

My Review: Fighting Destiny by Julie Trettel is part 2 in the Westin Pack series. It features the relationship between Elise Westin and Patrick O'Connell.

About the Book: You cannot run from your destiny. None of that mattered to Elise, however, as she was determined to escape bonding with her mate. Even as she sought to leave his presence, she was drawn to him. Will her fear of losing him be a barrier to her heart's surrender?

My Final Say: This story had a push-pull tone to it. The outside factors that interrupted Elise and Patrick's bonding brought just the right amount of tension to the story. It was an interesting read, for sure.

Rating: 3.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Series: Yes

#libraryfind
Profile Image for Dawn.
767 reviews37 followers
January 6, 2019
This is the second book in the series of the Westin Pack. Elise is the sister of the Alpha in the Westin Pack, Patrick shows up initially in book 1 Forever Mine as a challenger to Kyle for Kelsey but he backs down at the last minute because he smells his True Mate. Elise is scared of losing her mate to the challenges so she hides out for a few months. Patrick is determined and continues to ask for help and hunt for her. Eventually, they find each other but Elise is still scared and runs, Patrick chases and things work out.

I had a few challenges with this one. The main is Elise is well a bit dumb, there is scared and then there is stupid. Her complete 180 did not work for me. Patrick did not work for me. I liked his backstory but I just found it unbelievable. An alpha take help and tell everyone his business in a foreign pack? Then it was little things like the Noah's Ark story or at one point Elise buys herself a sweater then a chapter later it was a gift.

The book isn't bad but it was not great either.
Profile Image for Sheila.
526 reviews10 followers
September 26, 2017
This is the second book in the Westin Pack series. Elise and Patrick’s story. Once again we are back in San Marco. Elise is the sister to the new Pack Alpha, her brother Kyle. He just finished the Alpha challenges for his mate Kelsey. It was a hard won battle. Elise vows to never take a mate if this is the heart ache of taking a mate. She would not want to find the great love of the life in a true mate to lose him in a challenge.
Patrick, a college friend of Kyle’s has come to challenge Kyle for his mate and gain access to the Westin Pack leadership. When he smells his true mate, he withdraws his challenge. His father the Irish Clan Alpha banished him from the clan, he may never go home. It becomes Patrick’s mission to find his mate. Who is she?
Elise is hiding out from her true mate. Everyone in the Westin Pack likes Patrick and wants to help him find the one woman meant for him. Elise cannot hide forever. There is a war brewing from the Bulgarian Pack. Elise gets kidnapped and Patrick finds unexpected allies.
This was a good book, building off the first book that was Kyle and Kelsey’s story. This can be read as a standalone but you get the fullness of the story if you read them in order. Great characters, good story, love this family and town. I look forward to many more Westin family members… there are three more!
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
September 26, 2017
Hide & Seek

his is book 2 of this great series. I thought the first was awesome and this one is just as good, sad, funny, loving and passionate.

Elise Westin is the epitome of propriety, but when she gets a whiff of her true mate, she high tails it and now everyone is wondering what is wr ong with E..She is doing the unthinkable, even she knows it's wrong, no not wrong, it hurts because every time she scents him she wants to jump his bones and she can't let that happen, she will lose him before she even has the chance to really have him. Just don't look into his eyes and all will be well. Maybe after a time he will give up looking for her and go back home.

Patrick of the Irish Clan came to America to challenge Kyle for Kelsey and become alpha of the Westin Pack, that's what he was raised to do as all his brothers were also. Problem is that when he scented her, he realized his mate was somewhere and he just couldn't go on without her. Another even bigger problem is he doesn't know who she is and everytime he thinks he's found her poof she's gone! Will poor Patrick give up his search for his true mate who keeps rejecting him and forever be a banished lone wolf, or will he leave no stone unturned in his search for her?

You have to read this hilarious, sad and passionate game of hide and seek.
Profile Image for Michelle Fritz PA.
1,335 reviews98 followers
September 26, 2017
Truly loved this even more then the first book!! Elise was so easy to love and empathize with. Patrick.... well what wasn't to love about him!? Irish all the way! These two are perfect together! It was entertaining and just plain fun watching these two come together and fall in love! I loved the Irish lingo too ♡ I cannot wait to read about the rest of the pack! There truly are endless stories to be written about!! And that is so exciting!!! The best part!? Reading about Noah's Ark ♡♡♡♡ Don't ask, read this novel for yourself! You'll be thankful and get all the feels!!
Profile Image for Viv.
145 reviews7 followers
June 20, 2020
Good

Another good read. This is a series about the Westin wolf pack and finding their True Mates. This one is about Elise ( sister of Kyle the Alpha of the Westin pack ) she meets Patrick who is her true mate but she tries everything to avoid mating with him through fears of the challenges. You do need to read these books in order as the characters all have parts through the series.
Profile Image for Hazel Stewart.
176 reviews
September 15, 2017
Wow. What can I say. I absolutely loved Elise and Patrick's story. I'm hoping the next one is for one of the boys. Maybe Liam or Cole's although I have a feeling it's might be Lily's story next. Either way I'm hooked and will be reading them all.
110 reviews
October 12, 2017
Keep'em Comin' Sista!

This series is awesome. I love all of the characters. Everyone has a distinct personality that sets them aside from everyone else. This series is well worth reading.
Profile Image for Andrea Heltsley.
Author 15 books324 followers
April 22, 2018
Elise’s story was enjoyable. I liked the plot and how everything unraveled. Recommend this shifter paranormal romance. Four glittery stars!
Profile Image for Stephanie Hassenplug.
Author 6 books17 followers
September 26, 2017
I absolutely LOVE the Westin Pack! I was so excited to get my hands on Elise and Patrick’s Story!! This book was fantastic, and it did not disappoint. With ever book we see more of these relationships unfold, and i couldn’t be happier! I can’t not wait for the next book of the series!!!!!!
Profile Image for Tina.
343 reviews19 followers
May 3, 2019
OMG this series is so good! I will recommend you get this on audio book and take a listen. It really enhanced the realness of this book and of smexy Patrick O'Connel. The narrator had his Irish accent making me melt into a puddle of goo!

I cannot say enough good things about this series and author Julie Trettel. I just feel so connected to the characters and love the family closeness this pack shares. This series has become my favorite shifter series of all time and I am hopelessly addicted!
Profile Image for Amsa.
270 reviews54 followers
April 28, 2020
This heroine was so stupid that I had to stop reading it and add it in my DNF shelf but I might give it another chance because of all the ratings and reviews.
Why I hated the H so much? She could have easily avoided all the drama and heart acheby simply talking to H. Telling to him about her concerns like he'd have to fight after they mated and she is worried about him and doesn't want him in that position. Instead of doing this she fights their mating bound, runs and hides like a coward and puts H in so much misery. She could have easily told him not to mark her and start the claiming. She is VP in such a big company and she's an idiot.
I may read later if the mood strikes but I am not sure that's why it's not in my NEVER WANT TO READ shelf.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
669 reviews12 followers
January 17, 2018
I didn't finish this book. Skimmed it to the end, but it really lost my interest. Patrick was a great character, and I loved the fact that you still got Kelsey and Kyles story continuation, but I didn't like the main storyline. Refusing you OTM because you're scared of the Challenges? Didn't convince me and the story went round and round till I gave up
Profile Image for Carolina Colleene.
Author 2 books52 followers
October 29, 2017
While I think I like the story of this one better than the first, there were more sexual scenes to skip in this one comparatively, which was disappointing.
Profile Image for D Call.
666 reviews29 followers
March 31, 2021
MY RATING SYSTEM
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful

Do I need to read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no

SUMMARY
Elise doesn't want to endure 4 months of mating challenges, and her position in the pack is only slightly less desirable than Kyle's. If Kyle doesn't have an heir, Elise's mate would be alpha of the Westin Pack. She believes there would be a lot of challengers, so she's hoping Patrick will go home.

Patrick knows he's banned, hopes his da will take him back once he finds his true mate. He wishes she were Lily so he could be part of this amazing family.

Mom figures out why Elise had been hiding, tells Elise to be brave, that God doesn't make mistakes in his pairings.

At the Pack run, he finds her: a black wolf with blue eyes. They run together all night, but she leaves him in the morning. He gets together with the guys for lunch, they make a list of all females with that description. No luck. Kyle suggests he let his wolf loose and let him find her. He ends up at the Westin Foundation, identifies the office, goes to Kyle. Elise has gone to lunch. Patrick had had no idea there was another sister.

Elise is angry she's been found, books herself at a spa for after Christmas. She and Kyle fight because she wants to go alone, but he says they're at war with the Bulgarians.

Kyle invites Patrick to dinner, then calls later to ask him to be Elise's escort on her trip. Elise doesn't come to dinner. Patrick senses when she leaves the house, is already in the car when she gets in.

EVALUATION
This book couldn't match Kelsey's story, simply because Kelsey is an alpha female, a new commodity, and her story involves the start of the war with the Bulgarians. However, it's a good story with a solid, though sometimes slow, plot. The Bulgarians are sneaky and Patrick's dad is awful.

I loved watching Kelsey laugh and have to go to the bathroom, or cry at anything. I enjoyed Patrick's relying on Kyle for help through this mating time. Mom's explanation of where shifters come from is a fabulous idea; kudos to the author's imagination! I didn't see anything in Elise to applaud.

RECOMMENDATION
Everyone who likes paranormal romance

POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: 3 scenes, still quite tame
Language: 0 F words, 24 Lord's name in vain, 19 S words
Violence: kidnapping, 2 fights
Profile Image for N~.
89 reviews
December 29, 2017
This book was beautiful and just made me sigh in happiness. Elise has found her one true mate but she is afraid to accept him, Patrick, because of the mating challenges he might face, and she doesn’t want to lose him. For her, it’s better to not know Patrick than lose him after knowing him.

Patrick,on the other hand, came to Westin pack to challenge Kyle for the mating challenge because of the alpha position. But upon smelling his mate, he backed down from the challenge. Unfortunately, he was disowned by his father and later banished. Patrick kept looking for Elise, but she kept hiding from him. Patrick spent most of his time with her family but he had no idea that she existed. But after some hard work, Patrick finally managed to find his mate. Elise downright refused to claim him, because of her fear, but Patrick still fought for her. It was kind of hurtful how many times she rejected him even though she suffered from distancing herself from him. But she kind of started losing her insecurities after she was kidnapped and Patrick rescued her. She started letting herself be more free and finally they claimed one another.

Unfortunately, Patrick’s dad permanently banished him(as said before) and sent one his brother to challenge him for the mating thing. But good news was that the Westin Pack wholeheartedly accepted him as their own and gave him the position of the beta. He finally felt loved and accepted after all these years.


I’m really waiting for the next book. It seems quite interesting. It’s Liam’s book. His mate is apparently someone who everyone presumably thought was dead, but she took a different identity because of her traumatizing past. She has a son named Oscar. When Liam saw her, he thought she was a ghost but she actually ran away when some people passed between them. Furthermore, she apparently played with the Westin siblings when she was a kid and Lily was her best friend. And I have a suspicion that Liam had a crush on her or it was reciprocal. I honestly can’t wait for Lily’s book. Her book is sure to a fun one!



This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Poetic Puppy.
312 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2018
Patrick is on the hunt for his one true mate but Elise isn’t making it easy for him. Banished from his pack, Pat will stop at nothing to find the female he gave up everything for.

I like this series, I do. The characters are entertaining but there’s something in the writing that stops me from giving this book top marks. I don’t mind the odd error (even if it is annoying) but having a character that isn’t easy to understand at times makes my head hurt. Pat had little peculiarities that singled him out as being Irish but not being Irish myself I sometimes wondered if the problem was Pat, the author or me. I really don’t like being confused when a little explanation might clear things up. I also don’t like information being repeated too often or unnecessarily. A little editing would definitely improve this book/series.

Now to the positives. I like the way things are shaping up for the Westins. I like being able to re-visit the original couple and watching as their story continues. I particularly like the fact that Kelsey seems to be getting a grip on her powers, even if it’s a fleeting moment in this second instalment. I like the fact that there’s an overarching plot that I’m assuming will continue to play a part in subsequent books too. Continuity is always a good thing. I enjoyed watching the interplay between the siblings and how even the big, bad alpha can be cowed by his sister. While I had issue understanding Pat at times, I enjoyed watching him play the hero once he pulled himself together and I love that even from the start he listens to Kyle. I actually found ‘Fighting Destiny’ more humorous than ‘One True Mate’ which is nice, because it gave the book a different feel. Drunk werewolves, that’s all I have to say on the matter by way of explanation. Hopefully you’ll find yourself laughing just as I did. So read, enjoy and on to book 3 we go.
Profile Image for Alyssa Indira.
780 reviews92 followers
April 10, 2024
MINOR CHARACTER RANTS


I liked this one but mostly for patrick, cause his voice in the audio is sexy. And he is so patient and loving. He honestly deserved better than Elysie. SHe was so freaking...ugh, definitely immature and childish. Yes, I understand WHY she was scared, but literally....to run repeatedly without even COMMUNICATING and TALKING, wtf. I thought she was supposed to be the HR person. And it had to take that specific plotline for her to even give him a chance? Naw. Bruh should of realized that sometimes the chase aint that good, and the catch not the best.

But the writing was alright, I think. I listened to the audiobook. I would say it was fast paced, but the repeated actions make it seem longer. BUt I did like the slow burn ONCE IT FINALLY BEGAN. It takes forever. And it is a kind of annoying. Honestly if I had been reading it I might of DNF because of the females dumbness. BUT i also loved patrick and he kept me going. I really loved how things fell into place and the ending was sweet.

Patrick is honestly the most patient and understanding wolf ever. He was willing to put up with so freaking much its honestly insane. I loved him and I loved how he finally got to have a true home with people who loved him.

As for Elyse, idk... she was pretty annoying most of the book. She literally had so many friends and family who loved her but the stupid woman was like 'nah imma yeet' Ugh...but least she finally grew a set.

But I am also lowkey addicted to this series so I will be listening to the third one.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
November 1, 2021
Scenting his own true mate while preparing for his match during the mating challenge, Patrick O’Connell angers his father by withdrawing. Recognizing Pat as her true mate, Elise Westin, second in line to inherit the Westin Pack alpha mantle, is paralyzed by fear of mating challenges so she plans to avoid Pat until pregnant Kelsey hopefully has a son!

Unable to avoid Pat after she’s scented on a pack run, Elise arranges a vacay for herself. Realizing the pair are mates, Kyle insists Pat accompany Elise since the pack is on the verge of war. Proximity softens Elise’s stance toward Pat, so she sneaks away, planning another destination but her plan is derailed when she’s kidnapped by a human assisting the wolves.

This outing offers quite a lot beyond fated mates. Discussions of pack war swirl as the Bulgarian’s are more desperate to claim Kelsey, Pat’s father finds a way to punish him for not following orders, Pat isn’t the only change for the Westin’s and in a dire situation, Pat finds an unexpected ally inadvertently developing a source that could be very valuable in the future.

To this reader’s taste, Elise’s antics to avoid Pat started as humorous but quickly reached annoying and Pat seemed to be an uninvolved onlooker plus the thwarted kidnapping didn’t feel complete. That said, this outing is a good read that offers several threads and an interesting backdrop to explore going forward.
Rating: 4.5stars
1,192 reviews
October 2, 2017
I would totally give this book a 4.5 stars if I could, it was a good follow-up to One True Mate! In this book (which can be a standalone, but I think its better to read Book 1 to get some background) we get to read about Kyle's sister Elise and Patrick, who had entered Westin Pack territory to originally challenge Kyle for Kelsey, his one true mate. Patrick realizes his mate is in the Westin Pack, but does not know for awhile who it is. Elise is nervous around Patrick, since she almost immediately knows she is his mate. She does her best to avoid him (she is scard he will get hurt like she saw Kyle/Kelsey get hurt in their mate challenges).

Elise and Patrick have to overcome some tough battles/obstacles in this book. This story includes some funny moments, some adorable romance, and some scary situations. The plot from Book 1 continues in this book. To be honest, I enjoyed One True Mate more, I think because I liked Kelsey better. Kelsey was tough yet vulnerable and I could relate to her more. Elise is definitely not as strong as Kelsey and did a lot of running away in this book. I was able to empathize with her, but I think its just a personally preference (Kelsey is the bomb!!). I still liked the story and will continue to read Julie's future works about other wolves of the Westin Pack finding their true mates. I love the universe Julie has created <3
Profile Image for Pam.
807 reviews
February 26, 2022
This is the second book in the Westin Pack Series by Julie Trettel. Both characters have back stories that started in the first book and build up to new heights in this book. After seeing the brutal challenges her brother and his mate went through Elise is determined not to take a mate. She doesn't believe she is strong enough to withstand the loss of a mate so it's better not to take one. Patrick came to challenge Elise's brother for his one true mate when he noticed the scent of his own true mate. Patrick declined the challenge and was banished by his father for not completing the challenge as his father demanded it. Patrick is on the hunt for his one true mate, he knows she is part of the Westin pack he just hasn't been able to find her. Elisa has been doing everything is her power to hide from Patrick, going into work early, staying late and isolating herself from everyone Elise and Patrick finally meet and spend some time together but things go horribly wrong. Will they be able to get back to each other in time to have a future together or will the war raging between them and the Bulgarians ruin their chances? I love this book, the story is original and the characters are amazing.
Profile Image for Theresa.
3,996 reviews14 followers
May 21, 2018
Elise Westin, the sister of the new Westin Alpha has a secret. During her brother and new sister-in-law’s challenges she felt a strong, but unwanted connection nearby. The thought scares her. She’s not ready yet for this change in her life so she decides to avoid any situation where it might be found out. But Destiny has other plans.

For somebody who’s lived her whole life in a pack surrounded by mating couples and challenges you’d think Elise would be used to it. I guess what happened with Kelsey and Kyle must have really freaked her out.

Footnote: 1) I like pineapple on pizza, but with Pepperoni and mushrooms? No way.

2) The whole Noah’s ark/animal spirits things is so crazily, far out, it’s ludicrous and doesn’t make sense. It’s such a complicated stretch to explain something that’s so easily explained otherwise. In other shifter stories, it’s just because when the mom changes it messes up the baby. Ta-da. Keep it simple.

Fave scenes: the diamond necklace, snow storm thunder, Elise’s rage outburst and Kelsey’s tornado.
Profile Image for Cat.
2,090 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2024
An enjoyable listen from Julie Trettel about the Westin wolf shifter Family
Book 2 within the series and this is Patrick and Elise's story.
Elise is a Westin and Kyle's sister from book 1..Patrick is his friend.
Patrick knew Elsie was his mate the first time he smelt her scent..But Elise is too afraid to except that and proceeds to avoid Patrick.
But you cant fight the mate calling and the pull you have towards your true Mate so they eventually meet.
There are some complications like Patricks clan and his banishment,a kidnapping and a war between the Bulgarian pack.
They slowly get to know one another and fall in love through it all.
Wonderfully narrated by Carly Robins and Gary Furlong...I Loved Gary's Irish accent it was Amazing and very realistic.Both Narrator did an exceptional job at telling this story I loved lisening to them.
Another great edition to this series
I liked it alot.
5 Stars.
Profile Image for Beautynthabooks.
113 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2024
Firstly, I listened to this in audio form and the PERFECTION & sound of Patrick O'Connell(Gary Furlong narrated) was absolute YUMMINESS in my ears! The way Carly Robins also narrated was gold especially her Irish accent!! The story to me was a huge slow burn. Also it is a little repetitve but, again i would listen to him read a text book in that Irish accent. I am not sure if reading will be the same. I am gonna try and read it and see and will update my review on that as well. The story is good it is a series and i fell like the plot is good, you get alot pack interaction and the spice is light but, the desire and attraction is off the charts. I can't wait to read the third book in the series.
-Paranormal fated mates
-wolf shifters
-forced proximity
-one bed(ish)
-Irish MMC <3
-stubborn FMC

A nice quick shifter spicy romance series <3
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