Beyond the Velvet Ropes

I loved “Beyond the Velvet Ropes,” by Jennifer Walcott Archuleta. It is an excellent story of Jennifer’s account of the abuses she suffered through for many years, while growing up, through her modeling years, exploitive relationships, time with Playboy, and so forth. While she was blessed with a supportive family, growing up with ADHD, made life a bit more challenging for her.

Jennifer’s story flows so well. I found it hard to put the book down as I wanted to jump right into the next chapter. There is something for everyone to relate to, through her challenging years and the incredible work she has put in along her path to healing.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from her book, which I highlighted:

“Your strength isn’t proven in the moments you shine; it’s found in the moments you survive.”

“We all spend time in relationships that teach us what we’ll no longer tolerate. They don’t make us less valuable; they prepare us for better . . . You don’t need someone to complete you. You need to become whole enough to recognize someone who complements you.” Excellent!

“Purpose isn’t found in a paycheck or a platform. It’s found when you finally feel at peace with who you are, when you stop chasing and start becoming.”

“The most powerful thing you can do is protect your peace. Be free in your thoughts, your choices, your skin. Don’t hide. Don’t shrink. Don’t beg people to understand you. Just be you.”

“The moment you decide you’re done living as a prisoner and start choosing peace is the moment life truly begins.”

“Peace matters more than proving yourself.” Amen to that!

“The girl who wanted so badly to belong somewhere that she kept pouring from an empty cup just to make other people comfortable.” *I can certainly relate to this. I love how Jennifer states, “Parts of her still live inside me. But now I look at her differently.”

I love how Jennifer sums up her book when she states, “I see the reason I survived . . . finally learning to love the girl who carried me through all of it.” She has a strong, Christian faith in which she credits God “for every Blessing, every trial, and for guiding me through each chapter of my life.”

This is an excellent read! I certainly can relate to her challenges with ADHD, in that I very likely had this while growing up as well. Not easy, for sure. Personally, I know that God has been with me through every challenge and heartbreak I have experienced to date. I love how Jennifer credits God with this as well.

I honestly couldn’t put it down.

Jennifer was one of my Playboy Playmate sisters, and knowing her over the years, I never would have guessed the depth of what she had lived through. She has always been one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet always smiling, always encouraging others, incredibly down to earth, and with one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know.

Reading her story, I found myself identifying with so much of it. It reminded me how often the people who seem the strongest and brightest are carrying battles no one else can see. Her vulnerability, honesty, and courage in sharing her journey are inspiring, and I know her story will help so many others feel seen and understood.

This book is raw, authentic, heartbreaking at times, but ultimately filled with hope and resilience. Thank you, Jennifer, for having the courage to tell your story. I have even more respect for you now than I did before, and I’m so grateful you chose to share your heart with the world.

If you’re looking for a memoir that is honest, powerful, and deeply moving, I highly recommend Beyond the Velvet Ropes.

This book was so tastefully done and I am so happy I have had the opportunity to know Jennifer but now understand her in a much deeper way. To whoever reads it you will not be disappointed and will not be able to put it down. From the very beginning, the voice on the page has warmth. It doesn’t talk AT you; it invites you in. I loved this book because it blends insight with real emotion. This isn’t a book that relies on big, empty statements to make a point. It’s more of a perspective such as,” here is what I learned and here’s how I got there.” And because it’s written with heart, it doesn’t come off preachy. It feels like encouragement- like a hand on your shoulder at the right moment. This book reminds you that life isn’t only about what you can see from the sidelines- it’s about what you choose to pursue, even if it’s uncomfortable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a little more courage and clarity. And I say this as a friend- because this is the kind of story that stays with you long after the last page.

Funny enough, after the last page Jennifer Archuleta puts a unique twist. She has a QR code on the back for you to scan. This code creates a bridge between the pages and Jennifer Archuleta’s life story. It’s like a private club after you are done reading it. With a simple scan you are connected to additional content almost weekly of her journey and the world surrounding her memoir. This book is unique because it gives the book and interactive element allowing the story to continue. The QR code is a perfect touch to take readers like myself beyond the book itself and deeper into her story.