Behind The Smile Series

The Story of Lek, A Bar Girl in Pattaya

Behind The Smile is a powerful seven-book series that delves deep into the emotional, economic, and cultural realities of Thailand’s bar girl industry. Set in the bustling tourist city of Pattaya, this heptology follows Lek, a young mother from a poor rural village, as she enters the world of nightlife to support her family.

The series begins with Daddy’s Hobby, where Lek’s difficult decision to leave her daughter and work in a bar sets her on a path of unexpected encounters, hard lessons, and moral ambiguity. As the story unfolds across the volumes, readers witness her journey through love, heartbreak, personal growth, and the relentless pursuit of dignity in a world built on illusion.

Each book explores a different facet of Lek’s evolving life — her relationships with foreign men, the clash of cultures and expectations, and her struggle to balance traditional values with survival in a modern tourist economy. From romantic entanglements to spiritual searching, the series offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the lives of women who are often misunderstood or judged without context.

Behind The Smile is not just Lek’s story — it is the story of many. Written with empathy and rich cultural insight, the series gives voice to those whose lives exist behind the smiles they offer to strangers. The books are both personal and political, touching on issues of gender, power, poverty, and identity.

For readers seeking an honest, deeply human narrative that goes beyond stereotypes, this heptology offers a compelling and eye-opening journey through the heart of modern Thailand — one woman’s search for love, meaning, and a place to call home.

1. Daddy’s Hobby – Behind The Smile 1

2 An Exciting Future – Behind The Smile 2

3 Maya – Illusion – Behind The Smile 3

4 The Lady in The Tree – Behind The Smile 4

5 Stepping Stones – Behind The Smile 5

6 The Dream – Behind The Smile 6

7. The Beginning – Behind The Smile 7

What Readers Are Saying About Daddy’s Hobby

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Christoph Fischer
“Daddy’s Hobby is an insightful look into the life of a Thai bar girl. It is a moving story that shines through its exemplary realism. Jones shows real life drama as I imagine it much more likely than stories on the subject that I have read.”
(Goodreads)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Russell Cork
“Well written story, the author got the bar lifestyle 100% correct, well worth a book to read. I would be interested to know what other books the author has written.”
(Amazon)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Matt Carrell (Goodreads)
“Daddy’s Hobby is an entertaining and poignant take on the Thai bar scene. Owen understands the true dynamic that exists between the women who populate the bar scene and the customers who flock to meet them.”
(Goodreads)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Vanna B.
“I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it. Owen did a great job of creating a character readers could connect with and care about. The story gave a real sense of Thai culture and bar life.”
(Goodreads)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Murray Bromley
“The book gave me an outlook of some people that was very interesting, and I am looking forward to reading the second novel. Keep up the good work!”
(Goodreads)