Kady Cross is a pseudonym for USA Today bestselling author Kathryn Smith. Born in 1971, she began her career writing best-selling, award-winning historical and paranormal romances under the name Kathryn Smith. She later transitioned to writing steampunk novels for young adults as Kady Cross, and steampunk romances as Kate Cross.

The Immortal Empire series, set in an alternate steampunk London, was published as Kate Locke and categorized as urban fantasy. Regardless of the name she uses, Kate is passionate about stories that prioritize character development, even when it makes them less likable.

An uprooted Canadian, she resides in Connecticut with her husband, Steve, and their pride of cats. In her free time, she enjoys singing with Rock Band, exploring makeup tutorials, and indulging in Vietnamese food.