Australian singer and actor Cody Simpson is inviting readers into his literary world with the launch of the Baileys Book Club.

Joining the likes of Dua Lipa and Emma Roberts with a celebrity book club of his own, Simpson will share a personal pick each month, paired with a Baileys cocktail.

The move comes as viral BookTok recommendations and celebrity-led reading lists put books firmly back in the spotlight, with more than two-thirds of Aussies reading for pleasure.

For Simpson, who published his own poetry and prose collection Prince Neptune in 2020, the club offers a chance to share the stories that stay with him beyond the final page.

Simpson’s first pick is Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, a cult favourite about friendship, freedom and adventure, paired with the Baileys Original Irish Cream over ice.

Simpson said: “Books have always been a big part of my life and On the Road is one I keep coming back to. It’s all about chasing freedom and the people you meet along the way, and it’s shaped what I read and how I write. It felt like the right place to start the Book Club and there’s no better evening ritual than settling in with your favourite read and a Baileys.”

Taking the Baileys Book Club beyond the screen, Cody is returning to Australia especially for the sold-out Baileys x Dymocks ACOTAR Midnight Release Party. Swapping Kerouac’s classic for the world of romantasy, he will join fans at Dymocks Sydney on George Street, from 10pm on Monday 26 October.

Together guests will count down to the release of Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Splintered Harmony, the sixth instalment in the bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series. As the clock strikes midnight and Tuesday 27 October begins, Aussie readers will be among the first in the world to finally get their hands on the much-anticipated new book.

Diageo Australia Brand and Category Director Sarah Shimmons said: “A great book and a Baileys are a match made in heaven. With Cody sharing his personal favourites, we’re giving book lovers inspiration for their next read and a delicious way to make their reading rituals even more special.

“The Baileys Book Club celebrates the joy of getting lost in a good story, from an evening reading at home to the excitement of a sold-out midnight launch.”

Guests at the count down will also be able to try the newly released, limited-edition Baileys White Chocolate Flavour with Raspberry, served over ice, alongside Baileys Espresso Martinis and Baileys Chocolate Slushies.

Dymocks Head of Marketing Catherine Rose said: “At Dymocks, we believe in the power of books to create community connection and bring readers together. The passion surrounding ACOTAR is a wonderful example of that, and we’re thrilled to team up with Baileys and Cody Simpson to create a memorable midnight release experience. We can’t wait to welcome fans for what promises to be an exciting night.”

Follow Cody Simpson (@codysimpson) on social media for his Book Club picks and head to Baileys’ socials (@baileysofficial) for cocktail inspiration to pair with your next page-turner.