This story has a perfect mix of nostalgia, high-stakes rivalry, and kinky tension. To sell millions on Apple Books, you need to lean into the "Sweet vs. Stern" dynamic—the contrast between a candy shop owner and a ruthless developer. Here are title suggestions and a high-impact rewrite. Potential Book Titles Bittersweet Surrender (Plays on the candy shop and the rivalry) Sugar & Spank (Bold, hints at the "Smack/Slap" sounds) The Candy Man’s Confession Hard to Handle Sweet Spot (Simple, suggestive, and catchy) The Apple Books Rewrite He’s back to tear down my shop. But first, he’s going to make me scream. XAVIER I’ve spent years trying to forget the sound of a hand hitting skin. It started with a humiliating game of Truth or Dare in college—a freshman boy and a senior "god" who taught me exactly how much I liked to be disciplined. Now I’m twenty-five, and I’ve inherited my father’s legacy: the sweetest candy shop in Denver. My life is predictable, sugary, and safe. Until Dominick Rossi saunters back into town. He’s no longer just a college crush; he’s a high-powered Manhattan developer with a billion-dollar project that’s set to steamroll my shop into the pavement. DOMINICK I didn't come back to Denver to play nice. I have a job to do, a skyline to rebuild, and a reputation to maintain. But the second I see Xavier again, I don't see a business rival. I see the boy who used to blush at a single look. He’s grown up. He’s stubborn. He’s gorgeous. And he thinks he can fight me. He doesn't realize that in my world, there are no rules—only rewards and punishments. I’ve missed the sound of his breath catching, and I’ve missed the way he looks when he’s finally pushed to his limit. One year. One project. One final game of Truth or Dare. Xavier is fighting for his shop, but before the wrecking ball swings, I’m going to make him confess every dark, delicious desire he’s been hiding since college.
