Bubbles

ClikByte #2

by Tate James

The next in an all-new series from USA Today bestselling author and queen of "why choose" heat and juicy cliffhangers, Tate James.

I'm Noah Fearly―known as NoFear on ClikByte.

Former child star. Professional adrenaline junkie. Reluctant member of Olympus―the most famous crew on ClikByte. But Olympus has no idea who I really am.

Not yet.

And the moment they find out the newest member of their all-male empire is actually a girl, the brand they've built―the one fueled by shirtless videos and a legion of obsessive fans―could implode. But now part of the team knows the truth.

And the worst part?

They're not turning me in―they're getting closer.

But lately, brand damage and fraternization with my teammates is the least of my problems.

Competitors in the ClikByte Games are turning up dead. Suddenly our dangerous stunts don't look nearly as deadly as the person watching us from the shadows.

Good thing I've never been afraid of danger.

But this time?

It's not just my life on the line.

Genres: Why Choose, Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Forced Proximity, Suspense

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2026

Reviews

[jo (taylor’s version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

pre: what do i gotta do to get my hands on this right now ???

update: okay it’s on me. I had to read it the day it came out, BUT I was reading the ebook so I wasn’t aware that I was getting really close to the end… now I need more NOW

[Smutty Little Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tate!!!! You LITERALLY left us in a horror house and said buckle up for book 3! Ugh!

Once again, the queen of Cliffhangers has us grasping for straws and I CAN'T waitttttttttttt for book 3. I love every single character in this crew and find the storyline to be interesting and entertaining. I don't know how Noah does it because there would be no way I could keep my cool surrounded by all these wonderful men. I will say that in comparison to book 1, the storyline didn't move as much in this book, and it definitely is the second book in a series but you won't see me complaining.

To avoid spoilers, all I am going to say is once again... If you love why choose, cliffhangers, and twists and turns, pick up this series.

#whychoose
#foundfamily
#secretidentity
#murder mystery

[Lol · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER cliffhanger and we have to wait until December??? I’m literally not gonna survive. Every time I finish a book in this series, it puts me in the worst reading slump. I’M SICK. Please I need more.

[Rayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is equal parts addictive and absurd. The whole time I’m rolling my eyes yes I can’t put it down. I think was bothered me the most was how unconcerned everyone is about people actually dying! They literally see the horrific dead body and basically go “anyways, who wants boba?!” If you’re going at add serious themes to your books you have to explore the aftermath too! You can’t just pick and choose when to use it to further the plot then forget all about it not even the next chapter but basically the next sentence! On top of all that, that ending was ridiculous. The ending itself was almost bad enough to make me not want to continue this series but I have to admit this series has hooked me and as of right now, I need to see where it goes.

[Annet Yarkovaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again… Tate, why do you do this to me?! Of course, the queen of cliffhangers, as always. I love you and I hate you. How the hell am I supposed to survive all these months waiting for the next one?!

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a Tate James book that didn’t keep me completely engaged in from beginning to end and this book is no exception.

I am loving this new series so much. The social media star and secret girl identity premise is fun on its own but all of the interwoven mysteries are keeping me up at night. There are so many things we don’t know and I need answers 😭

I’m loving all the guys and I have no doubt the build up of some of the relationships will have mind blowing payoff. Not that we haven’t gotten some already, but I’m a girl who loves the holdouts in a why choose, and I know these will be epic.

Tate’s readers know how much joy she finds in our suffering and this cliffhanger is a prime example. It’s fine. I’m fine. I can wait. It’s fine.

Oh and let me just say, the audio is ✨ FANTASTIC✨
If you have a chance to listen, definitely do that! The full cast duet style is truly unmatched!

Being book two in a five book series it feels like we’re just getting started and I’m so excited for more.

[Enilorac ♡☆❀]

this is a NEED not a want.

[Bookish with Stas · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review 🫶🏻

Excuse me???? Tate James leaves me with the WORST (actually best because I’ll probably will have to stare at the wall for the next hour with my hands in my hair waiting for Peaches to come out in FREAKING December) cliffhanger once again….. 😭😭😭

If you were reading NoFear and thought by yourself “hmmm this could’ve had some more spice” (it was perfect how it was imo btw no complaints here) then baby buckle uppppppp. Because Tate James was on a ROLL with the tension and Spice in Bubbles, she wasn’t playingggg. 🤭🥵

Ugh I’m just obsessed with Noah and idk I’m obsessed with how Xavier calls her Little Dude. I just CAN’T wait until he finds out she isn’t a “Little Dude”. Idk I just like their weird kinda “not” friendship friendship if you get what I mean. And I’m soooo curious to see where it goes, but I have my suspicions. 🍑 iykyk.

Minho and Torin at the same DAMN time I’m predicting right here, right now this will be happening very soon hehe. Again iykyk. 👀

Was Daddy Ace a dick? Yes. Was he also still very hot and protective? Also yes. So he is excused xx

You know what this series is giving so far? She’s the man X squid game but make it why choose. And I’m totally here for it.

This book was the perfect mix of tension, spice and action. This woman knows how to plot and keeps surprising me every time.

Tate James if you see this can I email you my therapists invoice? Because she and I probably will have to talk about the cliffhanger and me trying to not loose my mind until Peaches releases in December x

Compliments to the chef tho, I enjoyed myself once again a lot. 🖤

[Jessica ❥Chatterbooks Book Blog❥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[bookofemily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys— no one understands how much I love this series! I am so ready for book 3!!!

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

About what I expected. If you were hoping to see a lot of plot progress or exciting Click Games scenes, you will be disappointed until the last 5% of the book. The majority of the book is Noah making super risky decisions with the guys that know her real identity, despite the cameras around everywhere, and the guys all obsessing about Noah (regardless of if they know her identity). Skye is no longer the only guy who knows and the reactions are mixed. Ace is a straight up asshole and his reaction does not jive with the character we met in the last book. August and Z are pretty much cast aside in this book since they don’t know or don’t have issues with Noah. It’s tricky to have so many MMCs, but I’ve seen it done well (ie Ironside Academy) and this is not it.

But seriously, the whole “fake boy” thing only works if the character actually tries to act like a boy. Noah doesn’t and the half of the team that doesn’t know the truth must be oblivious AF. The nicknames are strange too. Little Dude? Short Stack? Chicken? Rocky? Just…why?

There were some good moments. How Minho finds out Noah’s secret is pretty funny and I love Skye and Noah’s friendship. But I’m also terrified that Skye is going to be killed off since he is the only one who isn’t attracted to Noah and I will riot if that happens.

And, of course, it ends with another ridiculous cliffhanger. Tate James really can’t help herself.

Overall, it’s a Tate James book with all the standard elements. The murder mystery element really falls by the wayside and then the characters are suddenly tossed into a weird live challenge that doesn’t make any sense. Yes, I’ll still read the other books, but I have to say the concept is still loftier than the execution so far.

[casey ౨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

⋆˙⟡ tropes ⟡˙⋆
🫧 why choose
🎮 gaming
🤫 secret identities
🧋 found family
🔎 mystery element
🎥 suspense

⋆˙⟡ thoughts ⟡˙⋆
another fantastic read from tate. i’m really enjoying this series and the found family developing deeper with each book. i also really recommend reading the prequel ‘oblivion’ because it gives tons of details within this book. i enjoy that this has romance, suspense, BANTER, some spice, and loveable (but flawed) characters.

i love noah so much. she’s so badass and i’d love to be her friend. also tor and minnie?? 😮‍💨🙂‍↕️ i also need to add that i liked seeing ace protect noah against a certain character who is yuck.

also that ending??? how am i supposed to wait for the next one??? i am so invested in this story and what’s going to happen next. tate is definitely the queen of cliff hangers….

⋆˙⟡ synopsis ⟡˙⋆
continuing from book one: noah has kept her identity secret to her all male crew (olympus) and now part of the team knows the truth. they aren’t turning her in, they are getting closer. the bigger issue? competitors of the clikbyte games are turning up dead with someone lurking in the shadows.

[alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ Bubbles☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★

🧋₊˚ෆ🩷ෆ˚₊🫧 ♡ THOUGHTS ♡ 🫧₊˚ෆ🩷ෆ˚₊🧋

[Ace]

“Why?” he challenged, his chin tilting up stubbornly. “You’re comfortable baring it all online as Peaches, why act shy now? Or do I need to pay a subscription fee first?”

I think accusing her of having a vendetta right after she saved his life, then sneaking into her home to verbally insult her, was so diabolical. She doesn’t remember meeting him because of her other accident, which he doesn’t know about either. He was a mess. At times, he could be sweet and protective of her and worried about her safety, especially when he wanted to protect her against Rich, and then the next moment he was being an asshole, throwing cash at her, and implying she was a whore. Sir, make up your mind. He had everyone pissed off in this book, and no one was respecting him as team leader. He only got closer to her because Skye was gone and she needed someone who knew the whole truth, and that was him. She has no idea about meeting Z either, so this needs to be addressed ASAP.

[Skye]

Skye just draped his arm around my shoulders and hugged me, kissing my hair. That was all I really needed from him. No promises to slay my enemies or protect my honor—-just unconditional love and support when I needed him the most.

BEST FRIENDSHIP! 🩷🥹🫧 I am reading for Skye because he is the sweetest and most supportive friend to Noah. He claims her as his platonic soulmate, and he came back early because he was worried when he saw the photos of her with a black eye. He is the epitome of true friendship, and he is her comfort person. I love how their relationship has blossomed without romance, and he is genuinely a friend to her who she can talk to when she’s having a bad day without it turning into something else. I don’t want this to turn into something more tbh. Hopefully their dynamic stays the way it is.

[Minho]

MINNIE. Not him finding out Noah’s identity because he reached for a non-existent dick 😌👏. That seemed fitting, and I also love that it didn’t change anything and he wasn’t even upset. He was all in regardless of what was happening. He just cared for Noah as a person. I love how clingy he gets and how he was down bad and ready to please. He is super affectionate, and it’s the biggest struggle for him to keep it a secret because, if he could, he would be attached to Noah the entire time.

[Torin]

Torin tugged my hand away from my neck and pulled me into a huge hug, his strong hand stroking down my spine in a way that made me melt against his chest. Officially my new happy place—-snuggled up in Torin’s arms.

He did not wait to kiss her as soon as he found out what she was really hiding and figured out she was a girl. He loved being in the know before Minnie and lowkey taunted him about it, and it was iconic of him. Once Minnie found out, it was still fun because I JUST know these two are going to have an iconic sharing scene in the near future with Noah involved because the scene with Minnie sucking his fingers had me on the floor. Tore has no shame in sneaking around, and he did want Noah to make the first move to make sure it was what she wanted, but then he couldn’t help himself.

[Xavier]

“I’m not concerned about you, Little Dude, don’t go reading too much into this. My primary concern is, and always will be, the future of our team.

I know he had no idea about Peaches and the lack of consent Noah gave for her content to be out there, but it’s genuinely frustrating that he’s not getting the hint, nor does he seem to feel guilty about getting off on content that was distributed against her will. It’s so upsetting, and honestly, I get why she’s so standoffish with him. It seems like a genuine red flag. I don’t trust him (and with reason because WHAT)...if future me doesn’t remember because this is vague. I just need to reread the last chapter.

🫧₊˚ෆ💖ෆ˚₊🧋 ♡ OVERALL ♡ 🧋₊˚ෆ💖ෆ˚₊🫧

Was Xavier the one who saved her that night, and he thinks she’s lying about it and making it up, so he left her there to drown? What is wrong with him? Does he have an evil twin brother or something? What is this nonsense? Was this just an elaborate trap for Noah that was planned by Xavier? I have so many questions right now. This turned from a fun group into a murder mystery, and people are getting wiped out. No one is safe. Noah is about to drown for the third time, and her brain cannot survive this before she ends up in another coma with more amnesia. Xavier better be pulling a prank and have left to pull a lever that releases all the water. Or this could be for viewership… anything is better than him intentionally leaving her to die like an asshole. But there is also no coming back from this… realistically, how do you? This is insane.

[Cheyenne Rousseau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of people find out Noah’s secret. Ace is probably the only one who hasn’t reacted in a good way to her secret.

Minho’s reaction was kind of actually funny when he finds out. But I also get why his assumption made her sad.

I don’t really know how to review this book without fully ruining it so I’m gonna give you basics


We learned more about some of the characters throughout the book. And it leaves you questioning just how dark some of their lives are outside of the team.


Especially with the way this one ends. It’s honestly hard to believe that it’s not possibly just a fear response or if she’s actually seeing what she’s seeing in the end of this book. I wanna say it’s not possible, but with revelations from the character, she believes she sees at the end throughout the book. It’s quite possible that this person believed the best way for the team to move forward was to get rid of her. And they are impulsive enough to believe that they’re the villain.


I will spoil some things specifically with all the deaths that keep happening. I don’t know if anyone else picked up on how suspicious it is that only females keep dying in this and that certain results for the games happen later on in the book and it just makes you wonder if Sakura is behind all of this. There’s absolutely no proof as of right now that her or anyone on her team could be behind it, but I feel as though it’s a little suspicious if not.

My reasoning behind it is this: Noah sued her ex for releasing the peaches account without her consent or her knowledge of anything happening. Noah has an encounter with one of her teammates out in the open as herself in the middle of a storm at some point in this book right? And then the peaches account is reactivated. The spoiler here is she sees Richard, and he tells her that it’s not him that someone hacked his account and stole everything and he has absolutely nothing, including all of the content that he stored up from the videos he made without her knowledge. Not to mention, he’s also admitting that there are some deep fake videos that are now being released. We all know Xavier is obsessed with her account not knowing Noah and peaches are one and the same. And so he’s paying for every comment to talk to peaches when the account is reactivated and we know it’s probably astronomical amounts of money. Then GeeGee Sakura‘s team so happens to raise over $400,000. Beating team Olympus when even Noah admits from her own point of view that they knew they were gonna win as well as the fans knew they were gonna win so how did Sakura’s team suddenly win? I feel as though she’s behind the death as well as the peaches account being reopened. I could be wrong, but based off the information we got thus far that’s my assumption at the moment.


Tess. I don’t think we’ve met her. I don’t fully remember and if we have, she was probably that in consequential that she’s just lost over in my mind, but she assaulted him. Z. And I don’t think that’s fully like set in for him so that’s gonna be something that’s gonna be interesting to explore later.


I also kinda believe that Xavier what is the one to save Noah from the accident two years ago, especially with the conversation they had at the end of the book. And I can’t literally say anything else because then it spoils so many things.


Her relationships with a few of her team members are also progressing in the romance department because they’re the ones that know who she is. I read someone else’s review on here that said that her twin and her are eventually gonna get the romance phase and I really hope they do because I would love them together. I just don’t think either one of them have stopped and realized that yet right now they just think of each other as besties. I can also see Tiana being reintroduced here as someone who was in Noah’s life previous taking over that best friend spot. Especially when she can unashamedly talk to someone else who’s outside of all of this about all of her feelings.


I really really really wanna know why Miles does not like Ace on them. That’s still something we don’t know. Apparently Dickie has something to do with that though so it’s interesting to see where that’s going as well.


Auggie. He seems to have an extremely dark past so it’s also a thought of what if he’s involved in the death somehow? He admitted in the book that he’s the main provider for his sister who 16 and that he would do anything and has done anything in order to make sure she got the life she deserved.


I just can’t wait to see what happens from here. I’m also wondering if Tess is evil past the fact that she assaulted her boyfriend. We know her and Sakura could be in cahoots.


I believe the next one comes out in December and that’s just entirely too far away. I need to know what happens like now.

[Vix · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

i loved this and the ending almost killed me because i love xavier 😭

-0.5 bc the camp part dragged for a loooooong time and it was boring af besides the murder and minho.

[nightlyreadingheather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh!!!

That cliffhanger ending! It's going to be a long wait until December!

[Zoë Nira · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
ARC REVIEW

Okay, Tate James… you’ve done it again 😭

Bubbles had me fully invested from the first page and somehow even more unhinged by the last one. This series has such a ridiculously addictive mix of chaos, mystery, humor, tension, and characters I’m getting way too emotionally attached to.

I’m especially loving how much the story is starting to unfold without giving us anywhere near enough answers. Every time I think I’ve figured something out, Tate throws another little breadcrumb at me and suddenly I have 17 new theories. I genuinely do not trust anyone at this point 😂.

And the guys?? The dynamics between everyone are SO good. I love that the relationships are developing at different speeds and that there’s still so much tension and uncertainty. The banter, the jealousy, the little moments… GIMME GIMME MORE. Also, Noah continues to be an absolute icon and I am fully seated for whatever disaster she gets herself into next.

And then there’s that ending.

EXCUSE ME???

I would like to formally file a complaint because I was simply trying to enjoy my book and now I’m supposed to WAIT for the next one?! Absolutely not. I have theories. I have questions. I have trust issues. I need answers. Immediately.

Two books in and I already know this series is going to emotionally ruin me in the best possible way. Tate really knows how to make you suffer just enough that you immediately want more.

Five stars. No hesitation. Now excuse me while I stare dramatically into the distance and pretend I’m not counting down to book three 🫠.

[Christina Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

UGH!!!!!!!! Is what I have to say. Be warned the ending completely sucks as it’s only August and the next book doesn’t come out until like December. The book is phenomenal though. I don’t like the tension between Noah and Ace. They had such a good relationship developing in first book and that all changed soon as he learned her secrets. I’m glad that he did try and make up for it and then learned more about her secrets and tried even more. I love the development with her and Torin. I’m hoping torin is going to learn how August feels about him soon and something happen there. If they don’t get together too it will make me sad. I’m thinking Xavier is the one who saved her from the car crash which it hints at him knowing at end of book. I’m wondering when it’s going to be brought up some more about her meeting ace and z at that gala. I really don’t think what the ending shows is going to be true. I think it’s going to be a disguise or something but I really need to know like now. I’m in love with this series so much!!!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 freaking stars ⭐️ I inhaled this book. I stayed up way past my bedtime to read it in release day and now want to immediately have a reread because having to wait three months for the next book to be released feels criminal.

I’m not even sure what about this series has me so drawn in, but I think it’s my favorite one of Tate’s yet (Madison Kate now coming in second place). The guys are all perfection, even when they are being moody, and the dynamic between all of them could not get any better.

I also like how they aren’t all falling head over heels for Noah. There is definitely going to be some drama with the Augie/Tor situation and I cannot wait 👏🏻 also what’s with Z and Tess?? So many questions to be answered in the books to come!!!

Now off to do my reread of books one and two… don’t judge me, I’m obsessed 😂

[Eliza_lovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need Peaches NOW. No, seriously.

There is one thing I can always promise when entering a new Tate James world. It will be absolutely catastrophically painful & gut wrenching and also 1000% worth every second. Oh, and the FMC is always a baddie.

Bubbles 🧋is the second book in the clickbyte series and picked up right where we left off in NoFear. And it’s chaos and thrilling and mind ducking. And I LOVED it.

Quick Note: Highly recommend reading the prequel novella Oblivion to get a sneak peak into Noah’s world and meet a couple of the guys, too.

[Mysti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so this one has so much going on and it’s so fun, wild and crazy. Book one was VERY different from the TJ I’m use too. Not in a bad way, it just sounded almost like a different voice. But it was fun and a good time. But TJ is back in this one and everything I’ve always loved about her stories. Crazy and off the rails!

It’s action packed…a bit spicy. I’m looking at that tree in the woods at Camp Beaver 👀. But the plot is starting to unfold, secrets are revealed— to some. And that ending was definitely a WTF Tate cliffy! I’m so incredibly excited for Peaches and to delve deeper into Noah and Xavier’s plot line. For him to get smacked in the face when he realizes and to see where other relationships go!

Read: Audible 🎧
MMC: Minho, Torian, Ace, Zeth, Xavier, August & Skye (bestie only)
FMC: Noah Fearly
Spice: 2🌶️
Tropes:
Secretly a Girl
Social Media
Unwilling Cam Girl
Murder Mystery
SM Popularity Competition
Found Family
K Pop Vibes

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

These scenarios are so ridiculous its like if social media houses and kpop group dynamics were mashed together in one - I can’t stop LOL’ing. As ridiculous as the situations that go on in these books are I am highly entertained

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely insane... why do I do this to myself 😫 Tate's cliffhangers will be the 💀 of me!

Absolutely love where the story is going, and as per usual I ate this up so fast!

[kiari.j · Rating 4 out of 5]

i mean ? i personally liked it i mean its tate james i love her life but that ending ??? im actually confused and kinda pissed. also not knowing who’s behind the account is irritating me. i don’t wanna wait till november to find out what happens 💔

[Kendra Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

*End of Review*

[Shay Copelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to have some words with Tate James for doing me dirty with that cliff hangerrrr!

[RSBOOKCASE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drowning in despair

Well, this was a fun second book to the series, and I can't wait for the next one.

I think that from all the characters, August is my least favorite and I don't know why, but I have a soft spot for Xavier. I think special things are coming. That banter is just delicious and I believe he already knows who she is because he was the one saving her. So, let's see.

I need Z to have a bigger part in the story, because I really like him, I can't wait for him to discover she's the ONE girl.

Minho and Torin are just golden retrievers and Ace is a fiercely loyal hound dog. I really enjoy reading them.

Skye is a best friend anyone could ever dream of, he's essential to our girl, the way he protects her is just amazing.

And Noah? Well... she's crazy, a force of nature, brave and absolutely adorable.

I've really enjoyed this series till now. Great job by Tate James.

[Kaylie Helfrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

I wasn't completely sold on this series after book 1, but I am fully committed now!! I love this world and these characters and this is just such a unique series that keeps me on the edge of my seat.

I do stand by the fact that the prequel novella that was published before book 1 is required reading before jumping into this book. The events of that night come into play a lot more in this book and if you read book 1 and not the novella, you need to go back and read it before jumping into this book.

I couldn't put this book down, but like in the first book the ending felt kinda rushed. It felt like Tate forgot about the clifhanger until the 90% mark, and then remember that she needed to put a clifhanger in. It was very rushed and didn't make a ton of sense, but I feel like book 3 will clear things up.

[Lana Gio · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 bc this is like pretty okay BUT I am legitimately unsure of which men are actually going to end up in the harem which I both love & hate. Also, this is the first cliffhanger I’ve read in quite awhile where I’m actually feeling like I’ve just read a cliffhanger. Which is totally awful and also excellent.

Bc like !!! Is he a bad guy?!?! I will be pretty sad but after doing some reviewing of facts, the math is sort of mathing for this guy to not be part of the harem. Next book cannot come soon enough agh.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

August 2026
Kindle edition

Is every cliffhanger in this series going to end up with drowning? I see the brother's warning. Ace was a dick, although he did kinda get better in his support like the first book, minus the alpha macho BS with Rich. I liked the sharing forming between Torin and Minho, other than that its jealousy. August was falling into the background so nice to see something from him. The cheesecake bit was funny. Not sure if Noah just has a lack of self preservation or just addicted to the adrenaline, because the disguise part is pretty much done. Then again the deaths were pretty much glossed over. Looking forward to the next one.