Want log in functionality without creating a member section of site

We are trying to give people access to resources they can download after they subscribe to our newsletter. In essence, they would come to the site, click on the Resources page, see the resources available to them, fill out the “subscribe” form, submit, and then be taken to a hidden “Downloads” page where they can instantly download the resources (Note: the Downloads page is an exact replica of the Resources page, but everything is accessible). Unfortunately though, right now, after they’ve subscribed if they toggle off the Downloads page and then go back using the menu, they are forced to re-subscribe to see the Downloads page again. From a UI perspective, this is irritating. In essence, we want the member log in functionality, but do NOT want to create a community within the site for members to do other things. Help! Any thoughts on how to do this?