And I've had all the reactions in between those two extremes. I pretty much ignore that approach, but I don't go out of my way to shove my work at people, either, because that's rude. I hear disparaging remarks about romance novels from everywhere, not just academe. My reactions usually depend on how much of a twit the commentator is being. Usually I ask if they've ever read one, and if they haven't, I point out they're being intellectually dishonest by criticizing something they've never read.
Most people are surprised at first and then apologize.
Trashing romance novels is so widespread they don't realize there's anything wrong with it. You must have pets, too, because it's obvious from your books you love animals. I was married for ten years, and that was enough. It's a great life. A. Mostly mindless things or things that require me to make things instead of think.