This 31-year-old actress, a native of the Dominican Republic, loves lying on the beach—preferably wearing as little as possible. When she’s not heating up the pages of magazines or computer monitors, she’s scorching the big screen in Premium Rush, a bike-messenger thriller in theaters on August 24.

Was it hard to train for your new flick, Premium Rush?

Dania Ramirez: It was hard to film the movie, period. [Laughs.] To be on bikes, remembering lines while riding all over New York City in the middle of traffic. You can’t tell a New Yorker, “Oh you can’t cross right now because we’re shooting a movie.” They don’t care! I always felt like I was on the verge of crashing. I fell so many times; I can’t even begin to tell you. It was intense. Bit I was in the best shape I’ve ever been in my life. [Biking] works you out everywhere. It’s a whole-body workout. My abs were, like, out of control and my arms were super-diesel.

What gives you a premium rush?

Being by a beach somewhere. With a swimsuit—or not! [Laughs.] relaxing with a glass of wine. It’s the Dominican in me.

What do you look for in a guy?

Confidence. And honesty. Knowing how to be laid-back. And enjoying the moment. I have a tattoo on my arm that says, “Live, Love, Life,” and that’s how I live life.  If you can somehow figure out a way to do that, you can get with me.

Any other turn-ons?

I’m a Scorpio, I’m a primal kind of beast at heart. I like passion. Anybody who’s passionate about what you do, passionate about what you eat, passionate about working out. I feel like passionate people are gonna be passionate all across the board. That’s all I’m gonna say about that. [Laughs.]

Favorite body parts?

My favorite about a guy’s body is that kinda small area between the hip. That cut right by your abs. There’s something about that that turns me on. And a good armpit! I know, it’s totally random. But sexy. 

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m pretty open, I say anything. It gets me in trouble sometimes. I was that 13-year-old kid coming home with my 17-year-old boyfriend because I can’t hide! I try to dive into something completely new. That’s a lot like my personality. I’m fearless in that way. I can take a trip by myself to Guatemala with a pair of jeans and a few T-shirts and be completely in my element and be cool. Live Love Life!