Melissa de la Cruz (born September 7, 1971) is an American author known for her young adult and adult fiction. Born in Manila, Philippines, she moved to the United States and graduated from Columbia University. Her works span genres including fantasy, romance, and mystery, with notable series such as Blue Bloods and The Descendants. Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide and been translated into multiple languages. She also worked as a fashion magazine editor, and her writing style blends pop culture elements with social insights.